Ford 302 - Low Oil Pressure, high temps

[G_Hodgkins]

Hello,

I'm hoping to get some feedback on an issue I have with my 302 in my Mustang. Lots of engine experts here!

The Problem: Once the car warms up, the oil pressure drops as the engine temps rise. (See pics)
The issue has become problematic since I blew the water pump gasket. Now that has been fixed, this new issue has popped up.

My current plan to fix/diagnose: I'm planning to replace the oil sending unit and then the oil pump if that does not get fixed. I'm really hoping its not the engine bearings... The engine doesn't have many miles...

Any other ideas or suggestions?

Thanks,

192004192003

[Jeff Kleiner]

Put a real pressure gauge on it to see what the pressure actually is. Those factory “low to high” gauges are just glorified idiot lights.

Jeff

[Mastertech5]

I agree. Get gauges with numbers.

[john42]

I concur with the gauges! Lol. Had a 1966 GT350 and those gauges were all sorts of weird and never right.

[ggunter]

I agree with a manual pressure gauge. At least to test with. I would go with a manual temp gauge as well or at least a good quality electric gauge. Of course, all oil thins out at high temps, but if your bearing clearences are higher than they should be you will get lower pressure. Check it with a manual gauge first and then decide whether to panic or not.

[kirby]

If you are worried about bearings send in an oil analysis sample. Pretty cheap... easy to do and will give you an idea of metal content in the oil.

[G_Hodgkins]

Okay, sounds good! I will be purchasing some gauges to properly read the exact figures... Thanks for the responses!