It is normal to have low oil pressure during idle. Your oil pump isn't being pumped as fast at idle, that is why it is not good to idle for a long time, such as in heavy traffic. The reason for it to go up so fast is because when you speed up, the oil pumps faster, because of the need for more lubrication and heat transfer during higher rpms. 18-22 I have heard is average for oil pressure at idle, I have a 77 ford f-150 with a 351 cleveland and it idles at 18.

 

I'm not concerned about the pressure at idle, I know and understand why it is lower then. My question and slight concern is the high end of the scale. I have never encountered an engine that had that high pressure even at normal temp.
I really want to hear from others who actually have gauges in their xb/xa's as to their readings.

Walt

 

I realize this thread is super old...but does anyone have a picture or know of a write up on the gauges in the dash next to the speedo??