AMC 360 Oil pump

Maverick26 · Dec 17, 2008

Ok so I heard from a guy that the AMC's tend to run with less oil pressure. I have a live gauge so I can tell what its doing. When its cold and about 2200rpm it has about 45lbs. Warm and idle its got about 2-8lbs. Rev the motor and it goes up. Is this normal? if not is there a fix?

dirk · Dec 17, 2008

That is about what mine does...I always assumed it was just because the motor was tired.

Interested to hear what the experts have to say :eeek:

jimijam19K · Dec 17, 2008

AMC V8s are known for oiling issues. Try bulltear.com they have some mods & an oil pump that help.

TooRisky · Dec 17, 2008

you are measuring in pounds per square inch....so when warm and running at 10psi at idle is cool, the reason is this, when you hit the gas and engine revs the oil will heat even more and as we know liquids expand when heated cause more preasure in the engine at higher RPMs.

At least thats how the aliens explained it to me...

Maverick26 · Dec 18, 2008

So is there anything that give it better oil pressure or is this just the way it is. I heard that the pump gear can worn out. True???

nevada · Dec 18, 2008

what your getting is OK. the rule is...10psi, per 1,000 rpms.
that said, aside from new PARTS, im not sure theres much you could do.
they say the same thing about the ford FE motors, that even when NEW, the oil light can flicker at idle. they run like 4-5 lbs...

Maverick26 · Dec 18, 2008

Ok. Well my new pump gear is coming today so I may get a bit better psi out of that. Nice to know that most of this is normal. Thanks guys.

KarlVP · Dec 18, 2008

Sounds normal.

bulltear.com has a nickel plated oil pump housing that I have heard works great.

FiFo's J-20 with the 401 runs about 5psi at idle and then hops right up when you get on it.

Your oil pressure bypass spring (not sure if that is exactly what it's called) may be worn out too.