hey everyone. I have a 79 ford f350 with a 400 in it. I rebuilt the engine about a year ago. its bored out .30 and i put headers, 4 barrel carb, and a wieland intake. it also has an rv cam in it. Ever since i rebuit it the oil pressure has been wierd. if you just sit and idle it goes down to between Low and normal. almost to the L i did use a valley pan and those two gaskets that go on the front and back part of the valley. i was told that you dont have to do that with aluminum intakes so i plan on switching that out here shortly. It has an oil leak out of the front of the valley.. could this be causing my bad oil pressure? is it possible that the rebuild kit came with a bad pump?? any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

did you change cam bearings, your cam bearings help build your oil pressure also guage may not be working properly or connections not good could be bad oil seding unit, but your oil pressure is built off your bearings (cam,rod and main) can all effect oil pressure

 

I replaced everything. all bearings, cam, crank, pistons, connecting rods, lifters, pushrods, everything. I didnt replace the gauge tho. but i took the valve cover off and after about 5 minutes there is no pressure holding the pushrods tight.

 

From what I have heard 5 PSI @ hot idle on those old Fords is considered normal,

Have to stick a manual gauge on it to see,

Now if there is no mechanical failures , Try a thicker oil, or Ideally you need to get a set up of a late 80,s 460 with a eng oil cooler, that will improve hot idle oil pressure,

Have to double check that 5 Psi deal but that is when the sender would trigger the light,

 

lucas will help your oil pressure, did you check your bearing clearance,and does the oil pressure go up when rpm,s go up if so you should be ok 10 psi per 1,000 rpm,s is enough to hold.change to 20w50 valvoline max life or 50 or 60 wt valvoline racing oil,