Posted by Paul on October 20, 2000 at 17:55:57:
In Reply to: Low Oil Pressure posted by J.D. Myers on October 20, 2000 at 13:36:46:
Low oil pressure can be caused by many things. Usually, it's worn bearings and the pressure is leaking out inside as fast as it can be made. However, other causes can be junk in the oil pick up that is keeping it from getting all the oil it wants and a weak pressure relief spring in the oil pump.
If it's trash in the oil pickup, you can pull the pan and clean it although if it's more than just years of gunk in the pan, it may reoccur. If it's a greyish sludge that is causing it, when you clean it TREAT IT LIKE POISON as it is tetra-ethyl-lead build up from years of leaded gas and is highly toxic. If it's a weak spring, a very gentle tweak may help after pump disassembly.
If it's worn bearings, there's not much you can do besides rebuilding the engine. Sometimes a heavier grade oil will help for a bit but that's only a short term solution and in cold weather it can cause starting problems.