normal oil pressure readings

[3ace]

Hi,
I just put in a new long block 6.2L in my 1991 Chevy Suburban. What kind of oil pressure readings should I be looking for? In my previous 6.2 I would see around 50-60 cold and 30-35 when at normal operating temps. This new engine shows only 45-50 cold and around 25-30 when at normal operating temps. All of these reading are at idle. Thanks.

[3ace]

Hi,
I just put in a new long block 6.2L in my 1991 Chevy Suburban. What kind of oil pressure readings should I be looking for? In my previous 6.2 I would see around 50-60 cold and 30-35 when at normal operating temps. This new engine shows only 45-50 cold and around 25-30 when at normal operating temps. All of these reading are at idle. Thanks.

Additional informantion:
After starting the engine and warming it up about 4-5 minutes and drove about 1 miles to the freeway.
I drove 25 miles with about 23 miles of freeway.
This is what I reading on my oil pressure guage:
Ambient temperature around 50F.
at idle (cold) 55psi
at 70mph: 39psi
at 55mph: 35psi
at idle: 19psi

Do these readings sound good, I was concerned about the 19psi at idle after reaching operating temperature.
Thanks.

[john8662]

What gauge combination are you using for your readings?

The factory gauge gives different readings than an aftermarket digital. The factory gauge seems to give a higher than actual reading.

My typical 6.2 gives ~60 psi cold idle, little higher running down the road cold. Hot, I see 35psi idle and around 50-55psi running 2k RPM down the interstate at 70MPH (automatic 700R4 overdrive).

19 psi is not alarming.

Oil pumps vary, mainly in the regulator valve.

Every 6.2 and 6.5 (early 6.5's not later 97's up) have seen the factory gauge as mentioned above.

J

[3ace]

What gauge combination are you using for your readings?

I'm using the OEM guage and the OEM oil sending unit installed at the rear of the left head.

My typical 6.2 gives ~60 psi cold idle, little higher running down the road cold. Hot, I see 35psi idle and around 50-55psi running 2k RPM down the interstate at 70MPH (automatic 700R4 overdrive).

I'm seeing 39psi at 2k RPM down the interstate at 70MPH (automatic 4L80E)

19 psi is not alarming

It's good to hear that 19psi at idle hot is ok.

Thanks for your input.

Have a great new year!

[Robyn]

The general rule on these is "Hot" down the road at 40 PSI and "HOT" idle at 20 PSI

The numbers you are showing are certainly in the groove so to speak.

If you are at all worried, install a T fiiting and plumb in a good quality mechanical gauge and mount it under the dash.

I have seen 6.2 engines (new rigs, back in the day) run 35 down the road and idle at 10-15

I prefer the 20-40 or a tad higher.

As John mentioned, these vary.

Just screwing in a new sending unit may change the whole picture.
I have seen sending units change the readings as much as 10 PSI

You should be running a good diesel rated 15-40 oil.

I had a 94 Burb that had some miles on it and it would run 35 down the road and after a hard session of pulling hills and such, would drop to only 10 at idle.

Keep us posted


Missy

[3ace]

[quote]

The general rule on these is "Hot" down the road at 40 PSI and "HOT" idle at 20 PSI

I feel a lot more comfortable now!!

If you are at all worried, install a T fiiting and plumb in a good quality mechanical gauge and mount it under the dash.

I like this idea.

I prefer the 20-40 or a tad higher.

I agree

Just screwing in a new sending unit may change the whole picture.
I have seen sending units change the readings as much as 10 PSI

My readings are with a new sending unit

You should be running a good diesel rated 15-40 oil.

I'm using Chevron Delo 400 15/40W

I had a 94 Burb that had some miles on it and it would run 35 down the road and after a hard session of pulling hills and such, would drop to only 10 at idle.

And I was worried at 20psi!!

Keep us posted

Thanks for your input!

[Robyn]

Happy to help

Missy

[pwood]

i read on another page that you recommend a oil cooler behind the grill, my 1984 6.2 goes into the radiator. Would you by pass that and just use the cooler. As i am worried about the radiator my trans lines got a pin hole in them water in trans destroyed it

[Robyn]

If you are worried about internal cooler leaks, adding the external cooler behind the grille is a great idea.

The later trucks all have the oil coolers behind the grille and not in the radiator.

The tranny cooler is still in the radaitors though.

I prefer an oil to air cooler for the tranny, the only time this can be an issue is during really cold weather (Below Zero) and then there is the possibility of getting the tranny oil too cold, but a winter front will solve that issue.

Missy

[pwood]

Thanks for the reply i have already plumbed the trans to a cooler out front and now will be looking for a oil cooler. also does a 6.2 run smooth on idle as mine seems to idle like a gasser with the occassional mis

[millwrightjesse]

This is mine cold start on highidle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy8UUEahmKo