Low Oil Pressure On A New Engine Build

[airbubba32]

I have just got done building the engine for my sons Chevette.

Every thing went pretty well, I put on a new Mechanical Oil Pressure Gage and when I started it up we have about 35 psi of oil press. Thought that was pretty good.

Then the oil pressure started get lower and lower, until I had no oil pressure at an idle but when I rev'ed up the engine the pressure would increase and when I let off of it it would go back to zero.

I'm using 5w30 & and AC filter. The engine was getting up to 190 degrees and the electric fan was kicking on and off.

I took the cam carrier off to check and make sure the after market cam had plug in both ends and it did.

The oil pump was new or I thought, I bought it from a close out web site, but it looked new it was a Sealed Power unit.

It sound like the oil pump is either bad or the relief valve is sticking open.

Has anyone ran in to this problem before or have any suggestions?

Thanks

[rad15E]

most new motors will hold abour 60 lbs when new and fall off a little after breakend, 50w racing oil is all most people use,some use 1/2 bottle lucus,and are you useing the stock fuel pump

[airbubba32]

I have a electric fuel pump.

I don't understand why the pressure would increase and then fall off when the engine is rev'd.

[rad15E]

what i was getting at on the fuel pump is the rod thats in the block that works the pump is in part of the oil gally ,if this rod is removed or worn the oil pressure is greatly affected,there could be alot of reasons but its a thought

[airbubba32]

You were right about the fuel pump.

I put the shaft back in the ran the fuel pump, made a spring cup for the end of it and put a spring pocket in the cover plate. I put in a light spring, fired it up and had 40 psi of oil pressure.

Thanks, you saved me a lot of work.

Airbubba