I had 29 lbs. of pressure at idle 2 days back. At cruise speed, almost 40 lbs. Now, I changed oil. Used K$N oil filter with Synthetic oil (20/50). Oil pressure dropped to 24 lbs. at idle and 32 lbs. at the same cruise speed. I bought a new AC filter today and plan on pulling the K&N to see if that is the loss. Or, could it be the synthetic oil being slick? Now, there is an old Kenne Bell oil booster plate on Ebay that I have been watching for days. How aggravating is this thing to install and does it still perform up to modern Buick standards? Can it be installed with the cover on the engine in the car easily? If drilling is required, I will probably pass since I don't think any paperwork or templates are for sale with it. Thanks guys.
Here's a good link for oil related questions. http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi What brand and weight of oil were you running before and what brand of syn are are you running now? The K&N is a high flow filter, but try the AC just to see what happens. TA makes a good bolt on booster plate if you need it. It's also critical to set the the gear end play; I beleive it's .002-.0025 with gasket crush. Steve
I rely on my original dash guage, it does not indicate exact PSI.........but when my motor is cold, it reads almost 3/4 scale at highway speeds. When hot, 1/2 scale. Idle is 1/4 scale when warm, but lower when hot with a/c on. I also notice a slight lifter noise when hot but not when warm. I use 20w-50 synthetic and an AC filter. I am considering installing an oil cooler.:Brow:
It could be coincidence but is your relief spring broken or not working. Cruise rpm pressure of 30-35 is very low. You should be running 50-60 when at cruise. How many miles are on the engine?
Well, there are not many miles on the engine. The oil I replaced was GTX 20/50 with a WIX filter. I had near 50 lbs. at 65 MPH the day before changing oil. Went to this AMSOIL 20/50 with the K$N filter and noticed a drop. Still runs near 3/4 on the stock oil gauge at 65. I may just pull the filter off and drain the oil then use the normal stuff again just to see. A booster plate may be next.
Booster Plate A booster plate is a bolt-on. It only helps with wear in the oil pump itself. You can also install an adjustable relief spring kit from T/A. Mine works pretty well, allowed me to raise my idle oil pressure from <10 psi to 20 psi hot. Cruise pressure at 3000 rpm went from 38 to 55.
The booster plate, shim kit and adjust. regulator is on its way from TA. Should have it on Thursday. Should help.
