i just dropped another slant six into my duster....it's from like 70 or 71.....and it only runs about 20 lbs of pressure while at idle....it gets up to almsot 35 at high rpms......do i need a new oil pump? is it possibly the spring that set oil pressure?what should I do? I really wanna get this car back on the road soon.....if i hafta rebuild this engine i just might hurl.
thanx for everything

My stock engine sets at 20lbs at idle warmed up, 40lbs cold. Goes up to 45-50lbs during driving, warm or cold.

laugh if u want,but in my opinion ,if there's absolutely no ticking ,and power is good;and if it's not running warmer than usual,I wouldn't worry too much....

I just hooked up an oil gauge since the dummy light is staying on all the time now, presumably due to a bad sender or electrical short. I could see the rockers getting oil, so was not too worried, but thought I should know what is going on. My gauge shows about 48 psi at start up until the engine warms up (at idle and while driving). However, once warmed up, it shows 18-20 at idle and goes up to 35 psi under acceleration. I, too, would like to know if this is anything to worry about or not. I plan to rip into the motor in a year or two, doing a total rebuild, depending on what my budget will allow. Meanwhile I just want to know that it'll get by since its my daily ride. Do I need to look at rebuilding the oil pump soon?

It is simple to remove the oil pump's relief spring and either install a stiffer spring or add a few shims (flat washers) The shims go at the end between the plug / cap and the spring.

Doing this will increase the running oil pressure (target 50 PSI) but it will not help the hot idle pressure. If you use a clean oil filter and thicker oil, that could increase the hot idle pressure a bit.
DD

hi, mopar has a higher oil pressure relief spring for slants . P4286571 . ron

You can install an adjustable oil pressure switch and set it for fifteen pounds. They adjust with an allen screw in the center with a rubber plug over top of it. I'm not sure what the factory one is set at but if it's coming on at eighteen pounds I would replace it. Check the wire as well, as you said.

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