Flathead Normal Oil Pressure

[Dave Newcomb]

Ford has two types of oil pumps '49 up and then earlier. The '48 and earlier blocks have the oil pressure relief valve in the front of the valley and 20 psi running is considered good. The later pump has its relief valve intergral with the pump and can range from 80 psi cold to 20 psi hot. When installing a late pump in a '48 - block the valley relief spring must be shimmed or stretched so as not to operate before the pump relief. It is a popular upgrade in rebuilding V8s. There are even different electrical sending units for your guages ranges. Newc