Oil Pressure Anyone!!??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cwilkie · 03-18-2005, 06:45 PM

I have a 396BB, which had a canister type oil filter. During the rebuild I put an adapter on which allowed the use of a modern type oil filter. The problem is the oil pressure is really low. I know it's oil filter because I changed the oil pressure line and had the oil pump checked. When I changed oil filter the problem was corrected for a day and when I went out to start it this morning the oil pressure was low again. I plan on changing oil again to see what happens. I am wondering if anyone has had a similar problem. Would switching back to the canister style help? An advice is welcome.

dwaite72lnghrn · 03-18-2005, 10:36 PM

How low was it? When I start mine on cold days it takes about 15-20 seconds for it to get up around 3/4 mark on the gauge. After warmup 20-30 minutes it will settle down to the 1/4-1/3 at idle. Are you using a PF35 oil filter or equivilent? and what oil are you using?

cwilkie · 03-18-2005, 10:41 PM

It was about 20 degrees F today. The problem was that it never went above 1/2 and after warm up it stayed at or below 1/4. I use a Fram PH30 oil filter. When that oil filter was first put on it immeadiately rose to 3/4 or above.

dwaite72lnghrn · 03-18-2005, 11:03 PM

I would change the oil filter again maybe it plugged up. The spin on oil filters do a better job at cleaning the oil. The only other thing I can think of when you change the oil filter make sure the spin on adapter is tight.
At 20* it should bounce off 0 and slowly climb up then start to drop down after it is warm.

Longhorn Man · 03-19-2005, 12:01 AM

ummmm, and stop using fram.
if you were to cut it open and compair it to a simple wall mart filter, you'd NEVER buy an orange one again.

LUV2XCLR8 · 03-19-2005, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

ummmm, and stop using fram.
if you were to cut it open and compair it to a simple wall mart filter, you'd NEVER buy an orange one again.

cwilkie · 03-22-2005, 10:43 AM

I went to WalMart and bought another oil filter which is used on mid-1970s 454BB engines. It's a Silver Tech ST5 (a one court oil filter). The Fram PH30 was only a half court oil filter. So far so good in the oil pressure department. Does anyone else use a Silver Tech ST5 filter? If not, what kind do you use?

Chance

**'70_402** · 03-22-2005, 11:26 AM

the reason that you didn't have any oil pressure is because the fram filters have less paper in them to filter so the flow oil faster though them and that doesn't allow the oil pressure to "build" up in your motor. also are you running the 5 or 6 quart oil pan.. i run the 6 quart and have a high volume oil pump and use a ac delco 1218 oil filter and i run around 80 psi when cold and around 40 to 60 when hot...i like my high volume pump!!

Portmod7 · 03-22-2005, 12:27 PM

The oil filter does not create oil pressure, the oil flow through the motor produced by the pump creates pressure. The reason you did not have oil pressure is because there is MORE paper, or paper with finer holes in the FRAM filter. That constricts oil flow into the engine, therefore decreasing pressure.

I race cars, and many people have had bad experiences with FRAM filters. They restrict flow too much causing an oil pressure problem. Put a Wal-Mart, CarQuest, or NAPA filter on and you are good to go.

chevyfarmer · 03-22-2005, 01:10 PM

Wow, I have never heard bad things about Fram oil filters. I guess it is time for me to switch as well..... I have been

to pay the $$$ for those, but they are chevy orange.....

67ChevyRedneck · 03-22-2005, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Portmod7

The oil filter does not create oil pressure, the oil flow through the motor produced by the pump creates pressure. The reason you did not have oil pressure is because there is MORE paper, or paper with finer holes in the FRAM filter. That constricts oil flow into the engine, therefore decreasing pressure.

I race cars, and many people have had bad experiences with FRAM filters. They restrict flow too much causing an oil pressure problem. Put a Wal-Mart, CarQuest, or NAPA filter on and you are good to go.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, maybe that's why my truck has 18 psi at idle..... damn fram.....

busterwivell · 03-22-2005, 01:19 PM

I never knew that about Fram filters, I've been using them for decades. I use the Fram30s on my small blocks, but I use the Fram5 on my big block. My gauge will show at least half at idle, just above idle, it goes to 3/4.

Portmod7 · 03-22-2005, 08:30 PM

I bought a FRAM to put on the racecar at one time, and then was advised against it, so it sat on the shelf in the shop. Well I had to change the oil in my truck one night for a trip the next day, and I didnt feel like running to town for a filter. So I threw it on my truck, and lucky me, no problems.

BUTTTTT, a friend of mine who I race with had a FRAM on his car and went out for his heat race and had to come in because he didnt have any oil pressure. A friend of ours suggested we change the filter. We found another filter(not a FRAM), put it on right there at the track and his oil pressure was back.

So I am not sure if they make some bad ones from time to time or what, but around the race track a FRAM oil filter is a no-no, no matter who you talk to. I always use a CarQuest just out of convenience and never had a problem. Used wal-mart and AC delco before too, again, no problems. The guy who builds my racecar motors is out of Dallas, and he builds a lot of motors. He said run a cheap Wal-Mart filter, they do just as good a job as any of the others, plus they are cheap. Whatever that is worth to ya

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 03-22-2005, 08:51 PM

I'm running an O'Reilly filter on my truck, has anyone had problems with those?

Longhorn Man · 03-22-2005, 09:13 PM

One of the best for the dollar is NAPA gold, they are made by WIX.
NAPA filters are poorly made, and with inferior internal parts.
The Wall Mart ones are also very good for the dollar.
I used to be a die hard Fram guy, but it was shown to me with 2 cut open filters, and I have never bought another one since.
And probably never will.

**68 Stepside** · 03-22-2005, 11:28 PM

My buddy ("Mr. Chrysler") WAS a die hard fram guy, and the dealer where we used to get our oil changed is a fram place. I thought it was a chrysler thing (and it may be), but at cold startup, every fram vehicle I've ever been in has had a lifter knock. I was able to tell a HUGE difference in my mustang (3.8 V6 with 20,000 miles), when I changed the oil myself and put in a napa gold filter. No more tick at startup (there was just a tiny tick for a short bit), and a shade more pressure on the gauge.

Same with my buddy's truck. It's the last year of the Ram before they went to the "new" bodystyle. (92 maybe?). It has a 3.9 V6 and had a tick at startup as well, and moderate oil pressure (with 55,000 miles). I finally bought him a cheap auto zone filter to put on, to prove my point (he always changes his oil). He doesn't use fram anymore now....no more tick, and better oil pressure.

Maybe I've just had a few bad ordeals, but I'll never use a fram filter. Seen/heard too many bad things.

cwilkie · 03-23-2005, 04:01 PM

Those start up ticks are annoying as hell. Before I learned my lesson about Fram I put one in my 1998 Bravada and it has that start up noise. When I change my oil the next time I'm going to use the cheap Wal-Mart Silver Tech oil filter. I guess sometimes you don't always get what you pay for.

Lemield · 03-24-2005, 10:21 AM

Wow, I have used Fram filters for years and have never had a problem....but after reading all the comments, I think I'll be buying WalMart's brand now. Cheaper too! Thanks.

03-18-2005, 06:45 PM	#1
cwilkie Chance Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Belcourt ,ND, USA Posts: 750	Oil Pressure Anyone!!??? I have a 396BB, which had a canister type oil filter. During the rebuild I put an adapter on which allowed the use of a modern type oil filter. The problem is the oil pressure is really low. I know it's oil filter because I changed the oil pressure line and had the oil pump checked. When I changed oil filter the problem was corrected for a day and when I went out to start it this morning the oil pressure was low again. I plan on changing oil again to see what happens. I am wondering if anyone has had a similar problem. Would switching back to the canister style help? An advice is welcome. __________________ 1968 Chevrolet Stepside BB 396 w/TH400 1972 Chevrolet 3/4 Ton 4x4 BB 496 w/TH400

03-18-2005, 10:36 PM	#2
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	How low was it? When I start mine on cold days it takes about 15-20 seconds for it to get up around 3/4 mark on the gauge. After warmup 20-30 minutes it will settle down to the 1/4-1/3 at idle. Are you using a PF35 oil filter or equivilent? and what oil are you using? __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

03-18-2005, 10:41 PM	#3
cwilkie Chance Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Belcourt ,ND, USA Posts: 750	It was about 20 degrees F today. The problem was that it never went above 1/2 and after warm up it stayed at or below 1/4. I use a Fram PH30 oil filter. When that oil filter was first put on it immeadiately rose to 3/4 or above. __________________ 1968 Chevrolet Stepside BB 396 w/TH400 1972 Chevrolet 3/4 Ton 4x4 BB 496 w/TH400

03-18-2005, 11:03 PM	#4
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	I would change the oil filter again maybe it plugged up. The spin on oil filters do a better job at cleaning the oil. The only other thing I can think of when you change the oil filter make sure the spin on adapter is tight. At 20* it should bounce off 0 and slowly climb up then start to drop down after it is warm. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

03-22-2005, 10:43 AM	#7
cwilkie Chance Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Belcourt ,ND, USA Posts: 750	Changed Filter I went to WalMart and bought another oil filter which is used on mid-1970s 454BB engines. It's a Silver Tech ST5 (a one court oil filter). The Fram PH30 was only a half court oil filter. So far so good in the oil pressure department. Does anyone else use a Silver Tech ST5 filter? If not, what kind do you use? Chance __________________ 1968 Chevrolet Stepside BB 396 w/TH400 1972 Chevrolet 3/4 Ton 4x4 BB 496 w/TH400

03-19-2005, 12:01 AM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	ummmm, and stop using fram. if you were to cut it open and compair it to a simple wall mart filter, you'd NEVER buy an orange one again.

03-22-2005, 11:26 AM	#8
'70_402 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Pampa, Texas Posts: 1,554	the reason that you didn't have any oil pressure is because the fram filters have less paper in them to filter so the flow oil faster though them and that doesn't allow the oil pressure to "build" up in your motor. also are you running the 5 or 6 quart oil pan.. i run the 6 quart and have a high volume oil pump and use a ac delco 1218 oil filter and i run around 80 psi when cold and around 40 to 60 when hot...i like my high volume pump!! __________________ https://www.ebay.com/itm/295742064443

03-22-2005, 12:27 PM	#9
Portmod7 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Aztec, NM Posts: 388	The oil filter does not create oil pressure, the oil flow through the motor produced by the pump creates pressure. The reason you did not have oil pressure is because there is MORE paper, or paper with finer holes in the FRAM filter. That constricts oil flow into the engine, therefore decreasing pressure. I race cars, and many people have had bad experiences with FRAM filters. They restrict flow too much causing an oil pressure problem. Put a Wal-Mart, CarQuest, or NAPA filter on and you are good to go.

03-22-2005, 01:10 PM	#10
chevyfarmer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Owosso, Mi Posts: 242	Wow, I have never heard bad things about Fram oil filters. I guess it is time for me to switch as well..... I have been to pay the $$$ for those, but they are chevy orange..... __________________ 67 short wide 355ci 3 on tree 69 short wide 250ci 3 on tree 68 long wide 283 3 on tree 72 2wd Blazer project 454 5 speed

03-22-2005, 01:19 PM	#12
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	I never knew that about Fram filters, I've been using them for decades. I use the Fram30s on my small blocks, but I use the Fram5 on my big block. My gauge will show at least half at idle, just above idle, it goes to 3/4. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

03-22-2005, 08:30 PM	#13
Portmod7 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Aztec, NM Posts: 388	I bought a FRAM to put on the racecar at one time, and then was advised against it, so it sat on the shelf in the shop. Well I had to change the oil in my truck one night for a trip the next day, and I didnt feel like running to town for a filter. So I threw it on my truck, and lucky me, no problems. BUTTTTT, a friend of mine who I race with had a FRAM on his car and went out for his heat race and had to come in because he didnt have any oil pressure. A friend of ours suggested we change the filter. We found another filter(not a FRAM), put it on right there at the track and his oil pressure was back. So I am not sure if they make some bad ones from time to time or what, but around the race track a FRAM oil filter is a no-no, no matter who you talk to. I always use a CarQuest just out of convenience and never had a problem. Used wal-mart and AC delco before too, again, no problems. The guy who builds my racecar motors is out of Dallas, and he builds a lot of motors. He said run a cheap Wal-Mart filter, they do just as good a job as any of the others, plus they are cheap. Whatever that is worth to ya

03-22-2005, 08:51 PM	#14
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	I'm running an O'Reilly filter on my truck, has anyone had problems with those? __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

03-22-2005, 09:13 PM	#15
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	One of the best for the dollar is NAPA gold, they are made by WIX. NAPA filters are poorly made, and with inferior internal parts. The Wall Mart ones are also very good for the dollar. I used to be a die hard Fram guy, but it was shown to me with 2 cut open filters, and I have never bought another one since. And probably never will.

03-22-2005, 11:28 PM	#16
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,692	My buddy ("Mr. Chrysler") WAS a die hard fram guy, and the dealer where we used to get our oil changed is a fram place. I thought it was a chrysler thing (and it may be), but at cold startup, every fram vehicle I've ever been in has had a lifter knock. I was able to tell a HUGE difference in my mustang (3.8 V6 with 20,000 miles), when I changed the oil myself and put in a napa gold filter. No more tick at startup (there was just a tiny tick for a short bit), and a shade more pressure on the gauge. Same with my buddy's truck. It's the last year of the Ram before they went to the "new" bodystyle. (92 maybe?). It has a 3.9 V6 and had a tick at startup as well, and moderate oil pressure (with 55,000 miles). I finally bought him a cheap auto zone filter to put on, to prove my point (he always changes his oil). He doesn't use fram anymore now....no more tick, and better oil pressure. Maybe I've just had a few bad ordeals, but I'll never use a fram filter. Seen/heard too many bad things. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

03-23-2005, 04:01 PM	#17
cwilkie Chance Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Belcourt ,ND, USA Posts: 750	Start up Tick Those start up ticks are annoying as hell. Before I learned my lesson about Fram I put one in my 1998 Bravada and it has that start up noise. When I change my oil the next time I'm going to use the cheap Wal-Mart Silver Tech oil filter. I guess sometimes you don't always get what you pay for. __________________ 1968 Chevrolet Stepside BB 396 w/TH400 1972 Chevrolet 3/4 Ton 4x4 BB 496 w/TH400



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03-24-2005, 10:21 AM	#18
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	Wow, I have used Fram filters for years and have never had a problem....but after reading all the comments, I think I'll be buying WalMart's brand now. Cheaper too! Thanks. __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet"

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