Is this oil pressure low?

[black_falcon]

Test drove a 78 911sc yesterday and noticed the warm oil pressure was between 0 - 1 at idle, and around 2 when cruising around 2-3k rpm. The car has 190k but supposedly had the top end rebuild at 140k. Does that seem abnormally low?

[Porchcar guy]

Once warmed up and circulating, the oil pressure at speed should be around 4 at 4-5k.
At 2-3k, you are loafing the engine. Others may chime in here !

[porwolf]

That is also my experience with a 79 SC I drove since new. Idle (ca. 900 RPM) pressure has always been somewhat below 1.

[tazzieman]

My 78sc shows 1.5 at idle (hot) and flicks immediately to 4.5 as soon as I hit the throttle. Also , annoyingly , my oil level gauge reads midway when the oil's hot and car is level - just as the maker intended!

You should get 1 bar pressure for each 1000rpm, as a rule of thumb. Also , the pressure sending unit must match the gauge.

Suggest you rev to 5000 - and report back!

[911_Dude]

Originally Posted by tazzieman

you should get 1 bar pressure for each 1000rpm, as a rule of thumb. Also , the pressure sending unit must match the gauge.

Suggest you rev to 5000 - and report back!

+1

[Aurel]

What weight oil are you using? Maybe it is too light for the outside temperature. High weight oil should give you higher pressure.

[Flat Six]

General rule of thumb is 10 psi per 1,000 rpm