I just started the newly installed used 3.0 and the oil pressure comes up to the idle range and won't go into the normal range when I rev it up. The motor doesn't make any weird noises which I would expect with low pressure. Will there be a difference if I drive it? I can't imagine that would make a difference. I'm tracking down a gage to find out what's really up. Any gages out there?

 

those guages are just modified dummy lights. To be sure, manually check the oil pressure with an oil pressure tester to see if your engine is actually getting the correct amount of oil pressure. After you have confirmed that your not going to seize your engine driving down the highway, then do some troubleshooting for the guage.

 

YES! A mechanical gauge shows 80 at idle with cold 10w40. Now the thing is smoking a light brown, and a lot when I give it gas. It was running rich but I don't know what is going on now. I haven't put any coolant in the motor yet and have not warmed it up.

 

Post back after you've run it for a while. Have you seen how some places store their used engines, on there side or back and seldom the way god intended. Could just be some residual fluids (oil anti-freeze)burning off some where inside that gravity doesn't allow when the engine is setting in its rightful position. On the other hand you may have gotten a lemon and will be able to tell soon enough. Anyways I'm a "glass half full" guy and hope all turns out for you.