I can't imagine how junk in the filter would cause a drop in pressure? Unless eventually all the
oil got stuck somewhere and the pickup was sucking on air...??
I have been experiencing similar issues lately, but the gauge appears to be functioning in the proper manner. Is it accurate? I do not know. Is it doing the right things? Yes.
Hot idle.... I've actually seen 15 PSI...
Up to speed.... 45 PSI...
I've talked here about it before and have moderately wide clearances... .0025 - .003" Not HUGE, but still a moderately loose motor.
My question is - if my pressure is coming up no problem and holding a very steady 40-45 PSI at anything over 2000 RPM, am I in danger of anything?
I am running a pretty bone stock 5-qt. Canton pan. No windage tray, standard volume
oil pump, fairly loose clearances.
I KNOW the rule...10PSI for every 1000 RPM and KNOW I'm not getting that. But I've also heard from plenty of reputable builders that pressure is pressure...and if it's coming up with revs, then things are working right.
I'm considering replacing the 5qt. pan with a 7qt. pan this off-season and while in there, will probably replace the pump as well.
But for the time being... is a 15PSI hot idle going to kill me? Should I not be running the motor?
BTW, it fires up to a 55 PSI cold idle but after some hard driving, eventually drops to the 15-18 PSI I was mentioning.