What Oil Pressure should I get?

[Route--66--]

Hi
Just installed a mechanical oil pressure gauge in my 1965 200ci
On startup from cold on tick-over it shows about 38psi
If I rev it gets just to 40 psi
after it has reached full temp on tick-over it shows .... 38 ??!

Roughly What should I be getting at:
cold idle
hot idle
engine revving while hot
engine revving when cold
?
... is this correct or is my gauge duff?!!

Many thanks!!

 

[FalconSedanDelivery]

Lots of variables you didn't list , BUT , it sounds about right for a high mileage engine , , keep in mind ( because most Fords don't measure there ) that the gauge is at the end of the system , and THAT IS A GOOD THING , as it is a a more accurate measure what you need , the old 10 psi to each thousand rpm's is a good deal for the small 6 , different oil filters , viscosity of oil , and of course age factor in.

 

[MPGmustang]

my oil is a 15w-40 diesel oil, rebuilt engine 16k ago, very warmed over and aftermarket just about everything...

I'm getting (roughly!) ~42-45 psi cold idle, ~50 psi cold rev, ~35-40 temp idle, ~43-50 temp rev...

now with x more miles than what I have, yours sounds good. maybe mine is low...

A thicker oil will increase pressure, a thinner will decrease pressure but increase performance... been tempted to try this on the dyno, but haven't found a need for it cause I'd rather have my engine last longer so I stay thicker... synthetic oils are really for extreme builders that have an extra block on hand.

 

[Route--66--]

Cool, thanks for that.
My odometer shows 45000 miles ..which I thiiiink is genuine from new ...
I use 20/50 oil
Interesting your pressures range from 35 to 50 .. mine just stays around 38 all the time whatever!??..

Have to say I have only had the car since June and changed the oil in maybe August .. since then have had one of the hydraulic tappets ticking loudly when cold (usually) and now am starting to get a 'clacking' noise in the block when cold which goes away when engine is warmed .. no idea what that is about .. :/ ...

Cheers chaps!

 

[MPGmustang]

your oil can be low, check level

check to see if you have adjustable rocker arms and tighten then 1/4 turn, if not then you have hydrolic and a lifter is diying... it will take a while for it to completely fail.

strange the oil presure dosn't move...

or a puch rod is bent...

it could even be an exhaust leak, if so get utlra copper RTV silicon and apply generously to both sides of the new gasket. remember to re-tighten after every drive for 7 times.

Good luck..