How much oil pressure should a 1969 383 carry.

[jeryst]

383 in a 69 Charger. 80k original miles. Motor runs good. No noise. No smoke.

Only carries about 18-20 pounds oil pressure when traveling down the highway.
Gauge doesn't seem to move much whether you are cruising or idling.

What should it carry. If that is too low, could it be a gauge or sending unit?

[RECHRGD]

18 to 20 pounds at idle may be OK but not at speed .  Rule of thumb is about 10 pounds per 1000 RPM.  I get anout 40 at idle and 60+ on the highway with my 440.  Try a new sending unit first.  Bob

[Rolling_Thunder]

i would hook up a mechanical gauge just to verify your reading (assuming you are using your stock gauge)

[TylerCharger69]

i agree.....stock gauge may just be tired

[c00nhunterjoe]

my 383 has 12 years of abuse on it and at a 1300 rpm idle i hold about 25 psi and cruising i hold 65-70

[Al]

I had the same problem. Cleaned the contacts, replaced the sending unit with a new one. Problem solved.

[craigandlynda]

first try a new sending unit...next, on a big block, the external oil pump location makes it easy to unscrew the little plug on the side, and check to see if the little spring is still in good shape..might want to consider replacing the spring with a new one, or try for a new higher pressure spring...( i have stuck a small washer under where the pressure spring lays, to boost it's sagging strength...before considering any major engine teardown, consider all easier things first...could be bad sending unit, bad guage, weak pressure spring, very low oil level, bad wiring to guage...

[flyinlow]

Try known good mechanical gauge.

Min. 10 psi per 1000rpm.