Oil pressure oddities

[wolve]

I have a '69 Runner with stock 383, 4 speed manual trans car. I have a situation where oil pressure is reading low (around 12 lbs at idle) and where upon accelerating the oil pressure actually drops about 10-15 lbs (when cruising at 60 mph). Have been told this is possibly a sign of cam bearings being worn. Also, during this conversation (which took place at an engine rebuild shop) I was told that cam for my car is very difficult to put in. Would appreciate any comments. Thanks.

[custom880]

10-12 pounds of pressure at idle isnt bad, but the drop in pressure at speed is.
Well the cam isnt that tuogh to put it. Take the intake manifold off, pull the vavle covers, take off the rocker shafts, pull out the push rods, remove each lifter. You have to take the radiator out remove all the goodies off the front of the engine, including the fuel pump. take the balancer off (puller) timing chain cover tmining chain and the cam will come out. If you plan on doing it while the engine is still in the car you might not be able to. It all depends on the grill and how close it is to the front of the motor. The cam bearings are something that needs to be put in by a machine shop. If you do put the cam in yourself you will need a new set of lifters to go with it.

[dusterrcr]

Electric gauge?----Replace that sending unit!!

[MoparMarcIdaho]

You got to have at least 55 pounds at speed or your asking for trouble. Cam bearings have to be installed correctly or your wasting time and money.When was the last time it was apart?Sounds like its time to do it again and do it right too.Sounds like a cool car so take care of it.4sp or auto? Check crank end play too.

[ohioDemon]

do 383's have an external oil pump ?? if they do, then i'd be getting a new pump

[MoparMarcIdaho]

that thing the filter goes on,thats the pump.

[wolve]

Thanks for the tips. Car is a 4 speed manual transmission type (air grabber set up , too!). Last time engine was rebuilt, suppossedly, was about 4 years ago. Owner "claimed" that complete rebuild was done (i.e. Rings, pistons, main, rods and cam bearings, etc.), but I have not had the motor apart myself. I am going to take it apart and inspect the components for wear. I have thought about changing the oil pump and may do so just to see what effect it will have on pressure. I have a mechanical oil pressure gauge in the car and even tried swapping it with a known good gauge and the readings were the same. Thanks, again, for the input.