Okay so I have a 22r block with a 20r head and when I start the truck when it's cold it takes a few seconds for oil pressure to build like 3 4 at the max and I'm curious if this is really bad or if I should really worry about it. I was wondering if it could be that it's just winter or I'm running 10w-30 with Lucas in it. Just want to be sure but when it builds pressure it is good about 60lbs when cold and about 20lbs when hot so the pressure is good. Any input would be great and my oil filter does have the anti drainback valve.

 

My 79 dose the same thing and i have a brand new oil pump. i wont worry about it.

 

Alright I just want to make sure it won't hurt my motor will it? because I don't feel like tearing apart this motor again. Do you think its just because its cold and the oil is really thick?

 

Flow is more important than pressure. I run Rotella T6 5w40 in both my trucks year round.

 

Yeah I know what you mean so what I did is let the truck sit for about an hour or two from last being started so most or all of the oil should have drained back in I jumped in and started it and counted how long it took for the pressure to build up and it took about 1 1/2 seconds but if I let it sit over night it takes about 2 seconds maybe. does this sound like that big of a problem?

 

What type of oil pressure gauge??

An electric the factory one??

After market electric??

Or mechanical??

The temperature there is cold and there is cold:jessica:

 

The gauge is a mechanical one plumbed after the oil filter. and in my garage is about 30-35 degrees

 

I just swapped to 5w30 and I don't think it really helped

 

since it's a mechanical gauge i would start to get worried after 5 seconds of zero pressure. at 10 seconds i shut down typically unless i know the engine. for instance at school we have a old 16v118 detroit (118cu per cyl, 2stroke) in a train and it takes about 30 seconds for the guage to read any pressure. but if you open the valve cover after 5 seconds it starts flowing

 

Well I have the oil light attached too and the oil light goes off before the gauge startes reading

 

When you installed your gauge did you bleed the air out of the line??

That along with the Lucas and cooler temps could be causing the delay in reading.

 

Been driving my 82 for 7 mths with a short delay in oil pressure reading, its normal for these old trucks.
My truck does as you described,oil light,start,1 sec to get 60 psi.
But my truck holds around 40 after warm up.
But its in the 70's here.
Cheap 10w-30,all stock gauge,block bored .50 over.
As stated ....i wouldnt worry until 5-10 seconds of no oil.

 

Yeah i didn't bleed the air out of the line. I started my truck after school today and the oil light never came on like it has instant pressure but the gauge took a few seconds. I also feel some oil around where the oil gauge line bolts to the block. But its a small amount and I did just do an oil change a week or so ago.