LUVTruck.com

Hello,

I just rebuilt this motor and have had problem after problem. I ran the new motor on it's maiden voyage out of oil because the oil pan hit the front axle and sheared the oil pan gasket in half. The motor didn't lock up, but it was real low on power and I pulled over with just 1 quart of oil left in it.

Anyway, I put in a new oil pressure gauge, and this is how it goes with 5W30 motor oil. I want to knwo if any of you have different or similar results on healthy motors.

Cold-Startup fast idle:75 PSI
Cold Startup regular idle:55 PSI
Warm, driving at 55MPH:25PSI+-
Warm, idling:5PSI+-

Not that I have the money to do anything about it, but are these pressures anywhere near normal? I appreciate any replies I can get.

Before it blew the head gasket, the first engine in this truck literally had 0 PSI from sludge buildup. 5 PSI cold on startup.It ran fine!

That sounds alright. Though i would refill it with 10w40, its a bit low but its probly just warm weather combined with thin oil.

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1980 LUV 4x4, going under re-construction...

well you are ok with one quart of oil, it only takes one cup of oil to saturate my whole 402 big block, and obviousley mine needs more, than yours would so i really dont think you hurt your motor at all
i also agree with MERP, use the 10W40 or even 10W30, and since it is a freshley rebuilt motor, i would use a synthetic oil, keeps your motor cleaner, and lasts longer, and also improves motor life

Break it in on Dino oil then switch to synthetic oil.

The first number(low number) is the weight of the oil when cold. The second number(high number) is the weight of the oil when hot... Don't ask me how they do it.

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75 Luv, 350 V8, TH350, Camaro rearend. New 1975 Luv Step side. Stock for now.
Grandmaster of the "Shade Tree" way.. I can't see the yard for all the cars. Come on down and we will sit on the porch and watch the grass grow.

I agree it didn't likely do any damage overall. Also agree on dino oil break-in before switching to synthetic. Many synthetics are too slippery for the rings to ever seat correctly. Remember to change that filter a couple of times too, to get the new metal particles out!