Re: IML: 1961 oil preasure should I be concerned

["Steve B." <Imperial59@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> My 1961 oil preasure gage has always on the low end. It has never even 
> read dead center. I have had the car for 15 years and rarely drive it , 
> and it runs good. But now it needs to be my main and only car to get 
> around. Im curiose if  the preasure is low why then does oil blow out 
> threw the breither  cap . Wouldnt that appear to prove that there is 
> plenty of preasure? What is the normal amount of preasure on the oil for 
> this 413 wedge moter? Als the car does not ever over heat wouldnt low oil 
> preasure tend to heat the moter up ?

Oil pressure gauges are kind of like fishing buddies...  You can trust them 
to tell you the basics but when it gets down to the nitty gritty they might 
not tell you the whole truth.  The best way to know for sure what is 
happening is to temporarily connect a mechanical calibrated gauge and see 
what your pressure actually is.  I consider 10psi per 1000rpm (hot)to be 
safe.  Anything below that I start to worry a bit.

The oil blowing out the breather cap has nothing to do with oil pressure. 
As an engine wears more and more of the combustion gas blows by the rings. 
These gasses have to get out somehow and the breather is the easiest way 
out.  You have to have a pretty good bit blowing out to carry the oil with 
it.  I dont remember what year PCV came out, but if you have a PCV valve 
make sure the valve is good and the hose and passages aren't clogged.

> From your description of the low oil pressure and excessive blowby it sounds 
like you have an engine that is starting to get old and tired.  A rebuild 
would bring it back to good as new, but you likely have thousands of miles 
of life left in it.  Change the oil often and make sure you keep it full and 
watch the oil pressure.  I would expect it to slowly get worse and worse 
until it reaches the point that it will be obvious to you that it is time 
for a rebuild.

               Steve B. 



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