Low oil pressure

[Skirt Chaser]

I have a 1986 290TM Aquasport that I recently repowered with twin 350 vortec engines with holley 4 barrel carbs.<br /><br />Both engines have 20 hours on them. Here is the problem, the right engines oil pressure starts at 40psi and so does the left's engine and both engines have remotes for the filters. After the engines warm up and you run the engines up pass 2200rpm the right engines oil pressure will drop to 30 psi. The left engine will steadily climb till it reaches around 45 to 50 psi. <br /><br />The marine shop that sold me the engine's advised that the remotes hoses were on backwards but, I removed the remote and went with a filter on the engine and still the same problem. also on two occasions the pressure dropped to 20psi and I could here the liffters tapping. Not sure were to go with this could it be an oil pump problem or maybe the type of oil. I am using valvoline 10w-30 wt oil.<br />Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Low oil pressure

The oil you're using is fine....<br /> "I could here the liffters tapping" <br />Sounds like you may have a Serious Problem....

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Low oil pressure

ditto bondo and that engine needs to come out. the problem is probably with pump or pickup. the installer should be involved here as these engines should be covered by some sort of warranty? you don't want to do anything that they could say it was your fault.

 

[Skirt Chaser]

Re: Low oil pressure

Thanks guys, I was leaning toward the pickup in the pump myself. the lifters tapping I think is a result of when the boat is at a high angle before the boat planes out and the pickup not being able to supply enough oil. This happens when the rpm's pass 2200. At the dock you can rev the engine up all you want and the pressure stays above 40psi.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Low oil pressure

why are u using 10w30? have u tried an sae 30 wt? i wouldn't be using a 10w30 in a rebuild, no way. i would check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend. if u use the wrong grade, you're warranty will go out the window.