Cassidy wrote:So when I got a chance I pulled the pressure spring. Everything seems Ok and the cold oil pressure is about 40lb. I have another motor but have not rebuilt it yet. And other than this pressure issue the motor runs well. So I ordered a mid plate from bjs and an oil pump kit. I realize the proper way to do this is to pull the pump housing and sand it to spec but I don't want to pull the motor that far apart at this time.
That's not a bad plan, esecially if an engine rebuild is in your future. since you have the parts from Matt go ahead and put them on no matter what you find... sure cannot hurt anything, however, I would test the gauge and sending unit before going too crazy!
with engine switch to "On" but not running, unhook gauge which should top it out, then ground on block and see if it sweeps all the way down.. if so, gauge and wiring are good. (helps to have a buddy for the latter)
I have a manual "wet" gauge with a fitting that goes in where the sending unit spins on. Take off the sending unit, screw in the manual gauge, lay it on the ground and start the beast up... if it significantly disagrees with the electric gauge, replace the Sending unit. You can buy oil pressure gauges cheap, but if you want to save some, you can go to a salvage yard and look in older trucks/cars to see if someone stuck in an aftermarket one... probably get it near free
Good luck!