My Pinto engine show a sudden low oil pressure light during a stop at a road crossing. Oil pressure is around 15 at idle (it used to be around 45) and got up again to 45 while driving (that used to be around 60).
The oil level is ok and I rechecked the pressure which is between 165 and 170 on all 4 cylinders.
What could this be?
Is it still safe for the engine to drive the car?

45 psi at idle sounds pretty high to be honest, was this at first start up when the oil was still cold?

15psi at idle sounds fine if the oil is hot.

Davie

I wouldn't drive it until you figure out what's wrong with it as you risk doing more damage!

I'm not too familiar with the pinto, but on some engines the pressure adjusting ball/spring sometimes gets a bit of dirt in it which stops it from closing fully and you end up losing some oil pressure throughout...

I run a high pressure high flow pump that gives 4 bar cold idle 6 bar over 3000
I would check filter then pick up pipe for crud

Also check the pressure relief valve hasn't jammed of its seat.

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Originally posted by snapper

I would check filter then pick up pipe for crud

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where is the pressure relief valve?

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Originally posted by r1_pete
Also check the pressure relief valve hasn't jammed of its seat.

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that is when warm

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Originally posted by daviep
45 psi at idle sounds pretty high to be honest, was this at first start up when the oil was still cold?

15psi at idle sounds fine if the oil is hot.

Davie

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My "tin top" engine idles at 30 cold, 80 at 3000rpm, 14 HOT, 60 at 3000 hot. Its not the same engine but pressures should be in the same ballpark.

First thing to do would be to get the pressure tested with a decent workshop gauge , electric gauages are not the most reliable!