Oil pressure and pump questions

[Crocky125]

I've got a 1994 6.5 that I rebuilt (new cam, main and rod brns) swapped into a 1986 k10. And I have about 30,000km on it now and about 5000km ago I had a couple electric gauges give me a run around so I installed a mechanical gauge. And it was sitting 16-18psi hot idle and 38-39psi at 1800-2000rpm. And this weekend I went for a 3hr drive and it was about 30°C out so the oil was definitely hot and my pressures during the trip read 14psi idle and 36-38psi hot at 1800-2000rpm. I'm wondering if I need to be concerned about these readings or not?

I've ordered the later model oil pump and am wondering if it would be wise to install that to up the numbers a bit? And if I do install that do I need anything extra to swap between the two pumps? And will it run the pan dry? I will be running 0w or 5w-40 synthetic. Sprung a tiny leak on the pan and figured now's the time to go in if needed.

Also has an hx35 if that alters the oil pressure any, as well as a custom oil cooler and I've been running the larger filters since nothing's in the way. With Hastings or Napa. I've also got to swap injection pumps and I got a valve cover leak so I'll see if I see anything obvious up top.

Any other recommendations are welcome! thanks!

[Dvldog8793]

Howdy
I run at least a 5-40 synthetic(winter) in all my diesels and most have a 15-40 or 20-50 synthetic year around. The exception is my VW.
The oil pressures you are getting can be typical for these engines especially if you are running a thinner oil.
My 1996 with an unknown rebuild gets about the same as yours with a 5-40 oil. With a 20-50 I added 7-10PSI.
It makes me much happier.:D
Do a search on this forum for oil pressure and you will get all kinds of info and ideas.

[JohnC]

IMHO, there's nothing wrong with your numbers. I'd be concerned if it used to be 50/25 and dropped to 36/14, but since it's always been in that ball park, I'd not worry.

[Crocky125]

Okay well that makes me feel a little better hearing those numbers are okay. Lots I've read says you want over 40 at 2000rpm.

[JohnC]

I've always held that you should panic if you can't maintain at least 10 psi for every 1000 RPM. That said, if it started life at 60 psi and dropped to 40, I'd be worried.

[Crocky125]

So the general concesous is I not worry about my pressures since they seem to be in the ball park. Just thought I'd look into it, thanks!

[Dvldog8793]

Howdy
IMHO- Dont worry about it. especially since you have mechanical guages and can keep an eye on it. The pressures that you stated are within the norm for many of these engines.
Personally...I would run a 15w40 oil.

[Crocky125]

Okay perfect then that's what I'll do then, just keep my eyes on it like I normally do and see where it takes me. Thanks All!