I've just bought a '73 240Z, with auto transmission, and have noticed tht my oil pressure seems low. The gauge has a top register of 90psi and it normally hovers around 45 or so when driving around town. At idle, it drops frightenly low - maybe in the 10-30 range. Is this a concern, or normal running pressures?

Speaking with regards to my car and others that I know of...pretty normal.

E

Yup...that's a normal 240Z alright. Oil pressure too low, engine temperature too high

Yep sounds like good pressure. If you are truly concerned buy a cheep manual gauge they run about $15.00 and remove the oil pressure sender and connect it there . this will give you exactly what is going on. My gage was reading ZERO at idle , or nearly so . The manual gage told me 25 PSI at idle and around 50+ while driving. I installed a new sending unit and all is well . Generally you will see more pressure when the engine is cold and it will drop when at temp. This is normal . When the engine oil is cold and the pressure is high, there is a relief that bypass and will not allow the pressure to go beyond 70 PSI . GARY :classic: