VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans Correct oil to use?

I have a 1/2 ton with a 216 that had a cracked block. I had it pinned and magna-fluxed. While it was apart I had a full pressure oil pump installed. My oil gauge now reads 15lbs pressure when cold and 7 1/2 when warm. I am running Valvoline 10-30 Racing oil. I realize that the oil gauge is not set up for the full pressure system but how low is too low? What is normal with this gauge?
Is the 10-30 the correct viscosity? I have people telling me to use 30 or 40 wt but my gut tells me it is the gauge. What is the correct answer? Thanks.

The normal oil pressure with a stock oil pump is about 15 pounds at 50 MPH nand 7 pounds at idle speed. This would be with hot oil, 10W-30 grade. When cold 15 pounds is normal at idle....if not a bit more.
If a later engine is installed with full pressure oiling the pressure will be about 35 pounds oon that 30 pound gauge at speed and the needle will be pegged.
I would guess you have just a stock oil pump which is more than adquate. The main bearings are the only thing that gets full oil pressure on a 216 engine and seeing the rod oiling is not tapped of the main bearings 15 pounds is fine. The rods and rocker arms get oil from the low pressure side of the oil distributor valve.

Thank you! Now I can quit being concerned.

Coppertop
The only time you really need to worry is when there is no oil pressure though I dont always follow my own advice.
Tony