It may very well be a be a correct reading, and within proper tolerances, but I'm concerned because the pressure has climbed after about 20 years since the motor was rebuilt. Does that not make you wonder. No, I really don't want to go through the trouble of putting in a new pump. I'd rather leave that to the next caretaker.
Ford''s unhappy combination of an Italian Veglia oil gauge and the US pressure sender has always resulted in an inaccurate gauge reading. Gauges & pumps do not increase their reading due to age or wear. The reverse is what normally happens.
Likely the pump is just fine and the connecting wire has loosened a connection, changing the reading. Believe the mechanical gauge- the Veglia is only to tell you if the engine is running.
I just started my stock motor. Reads 70 stone cold. As it warms, drops below 70 but not much. VDO mechanical gauge.
That's good to know. Maybe I'm fretting over nothing. The problem with owning old cars is that you question every sound, smell and change.
For the time being I installed a mechanical gage on a T that also allows the old sending unit to remain in place. It's been so cold here lately, so no test run yet.
as for hints that the engine is actually running, mine is somewhat noisy and gives it away.
Tom, a few decades ago I colluded with a friend who worked for Ford and borrowed eight (8) brand new 351-C oil pressure sending units. I tried them one after another in the garage on a thoroughly warmed up Pantera. I got six (6) different answers and none agreed very closely with the SW- mechanical, which is, like yours, on a Tee fitting back by the bell housing. Its still there after 30 years- bothering nothing & no one.
There's a second threaded oil pressure port above the OEM fuel pump that will give MUCH different results, so pay no attention to data from that spot. It is all but impossible to access on a Pantera, anyway
I trust you returned the gages after you were done with the experiment, but we are all benefitting from it.
@bosswrench posted:Tom, a few decades ago I colluded with a friend who worked for Ford and borrowed eight (8) brand new 351-C oil pressure sending units. I tried them one after another in the garage on a thoroughly warmed up Pantera. I got six (6) different answers and none agreed very closely with the SW- mechanical, which is, like yours, on a Tee fitting back by the bell housing. Its still there after 30 years- bothering nothing & no one.
There's a second threaded oil pressure port above the OEM fuel pump that will give MUCH different results, so pay no attention to data from that spot. It is all but impossible to access on a Pantera, anyway
Useful for installing a safety pressure switch on the control of the electric fuel pump
The plate on the fuel pump opening is temporary, the final one will be "cleaner".
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Yes, even though they were cheap, I splashed the ends in solvent to remove oil from the insides of the pipe threads, and gave them back. My friend was not shocked to hear of the scattered results.