low oil pressure ?
 

When I first start up the truck, I have very strong pressure but after driving a while, it reads close to O. Should I be concerned ? Fresh 15-40 and filter and no leaks.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

For peace of mind, check it with a mechanical gauge or install a known good sender...

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

NOS sending unit

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

Did this low pressure problem just start - what's the history?

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

I'd be concerned - as low oil pressure (if it was an accurate reading) means you are probably starving the bearings - so how long will they last? As noted by others, first put a mechanical gauge on it - just to be sure of your readings.

Tell us what the engine is, how many miles on it, what do you know about the internals, etc.. The more you can give us, the better we can diagnose the problem (hopefully).

What are your pressure readings - cold start, warm start. At idle, at RPM on the road, etc..
Did this just start happening - all of a sudden?
Did it slowly get worse over a long period of time?
Have you changed anything on the oil pressure system - like the installation of a filter that wasn't there before, etc..

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

i had a 46 ford pu with same issues drove it 4 years no problem sold it the new 0wner drove it 2 more years no problem . he bought a rebuilt engine from H&H flatheads mainly because the old engine leaked and burned oil

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

I will start it up in the AM and pay attention to the readings. I have had the truck for 3 years but not driven it very much as it needed a lot of repair work. Came from Canada. Runs pretty well now but looking at that gauge makes me uncomfortable. I have another question ? The spokes on the steering wheel are vertical and should be horizontal I believe, Is the pitman arm splined or do I need to adjust the drag link to fix the issue ?

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

Regarding cocked wheel: What year truck? Dad has an ‘49 F1. When he got, similar condition. Turned out both front springs were broken.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

Remove the line that feeds the oil filter and screw a plug in the block then see what the pressure does.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

They can read low when well into temperature, the main thing is you see the pressure rise when the rpm goes up.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

Regarding that steering wheel alignment; you probably need to get that straightened out with drag link adjustment, because the steering box adjustment to take out free play is designed to be made with the steering wheel dead center straight ahead. Check your steering wheel free play with the wheels tracking straight ahead (steering wheel off by 90 degrees) and then compare that to the free play with the steering wheel in the correct horizontal position. Report back what you find.

Regarding low oil pressure; first verify with a mechanical oil pressure gauge. If that verifies low pressure, replace the oil with 50 weight and see if the oil pressure comes up. If so, you can run it that way while you save up for the overhaul. If not, the rods will be knocking in a few hundred miles.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

We really need to know what year this truck is.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

I might ask also to Bob, what is very strong pressure at start. If I can.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

OK guys, here is a followup. I started cold this AM and show at the red dot on oil pressure gauge between 30 and 80 if that makes sense ? idled for a full twenty minutes for temp to reach normal and watched it go down to just below the dot between 0 and 30. giving a fast idle it goes just above the dot. What do y'all say ? Someone asked for more info, it is a Canadian built Ford 1/2 ton and the engine heads say: C7RA-A, Made in Canada. I asked some time back if it might just have a 4" crank and was told probably not. Appreciate every ones input and am listening !

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

Sounds fine. "close to 0" is okay at hot idle. as long as you get some pressure. So, you have oil pressure at idle and the good news is that it moves up with RPM. Drive the wheels off of it, and don't worry. Maybe go to 50 weight oil.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

Ixnay on 50 wt oil.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

Jack's right again.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

I'd still put a mechanical gauge on it so you can be sure that you have an accurate pressure reading.

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

What's the harm of 10w50 VR1 on an engine that is near worn out?

Re: low oil pressure ?
 

Nothing - but by your previous post, one could think you were talking about straight 50W. :D