PeteRally

I have a B18C in a 99 Civic which is fully rally prepped. The motor has a lightened flywheel, upgraded intake and headers. The ECU is a HondataS300.
No indicator lights, just gages - tach, oil pressure, oil temp etc.
The car is new to me so I don't have history. Just had it on a dyno test and discovered that at idle the oil pressure is 30 PSI. When brought up to 5000 or 6000 RPM the oil pressure fluctuated between 20 and 30 PSI as measured on an external oil gage. I changed the oil and filter and checked the old oil and filter fabric for filings but no sign of damage.
Any suggestions as to what he problem might be or how to diagnose?

DA-NINE

Check to see if your oil pump pickup is properly installed (gasket and torque specs) check the pickup for cracks and that it is not touching the bottom of the pan.

where are you measuring oil pressure from?

OneBadTurboCRV

30 is kind of high for warm idle. We need a lot more information to actually help you. Like what weight oil? Where you are pressure is being read from? Have you actually tried a different gauge? There is a high possibility the gauge is bad or line is plugged.

turbomaniac

after 5000 rpm pressure must be above 50psi

IMO replace the oil filter with new and than make the test

plug the gauge and make a ride to examin pressure at all rpms

m4xwellmurd3r

Rule of thumb is 10psi per 1000rpm.

Pick up tube might be clogged/installed improperly, or the oil pump might be goin out

I just rebuild my engine. 20psi idle, 60-65psi at 3000rpm when warm.

DDTECH

We've Just recently finish a few OEM rebuilds retaining stock clearances recommended for both mains/rods.

From what we've experience, stock motors will tend to have anywhere from 10-15psi @ idle, while having 50+ by 3000rpms. I've seen stock motors have anywhere from 80-90 @ Wot.

You're oil pressure will overall be determined by clearances. Its hard to say what the actual issue is, but I would strongly suggest you don't run the veh until you figure out what you're issue is.

I usually Shim my oil pumps on all the motors we build, you'll usually see an extra 5-10psi when shimed, which to me, is worth the extra 2 mins to do so. I'd drop the pan, and ensure the gas and pickup is setup/install properly, I'd also inspect the pick up to make sure it isn't clogged. From there, I'd remove the oil pump and inspect the gyros in the pump itself.

Where are you measuring oil pressure from? and what gauge?

PeteRally

Thanks to all for the responses. Now running 10/30 and have changed filters. Oil pressure is from both the guage reading taken from an adapter at the oil filter as well as through an external guage by a mechanic. I'll open up the oil pan and have a closer look.