1986 firebird losing oil pressure, whats wrong?

[Dylaman]

hi, i am thinking about buying a 1986 fire bird that needs some work. however, then only problem it has is that it loses oil pressure when it starts up. i have talked to a few people about it but they arent sure. i think it is just the oil pump that needs to be replaced. can i please have some advice here? thank you

 

[T/A]

What is the lowest the oil pressure the car drops to?
Does the pressure stay above 30?
Most the oil pressure will drop in most every car when the engine warms up.
A good rule to go by is as long ass the car has at least 10 pounds oil pressure for every 1,000 RPM's it is just fine.
If it is below that then I would not suggest buying the car unless it is very cheap.
It could just be a bad sending unit or a faulty Gage but I would not count on that.
Or it could be a bad oil pump causing the drop but more likely is is bad bearings causing the drop. No way to fix that without pulling apart the engine. And yes it could be that the oil is just extremely gummed up and clogging passages but again the only good way to fix that problem is to pull the motor gut it and have the block dipped. All the chemical cleaners that you can use to clean the inside of a engine could very easily cause more damage when you use them.

 

[Mr. KnowItAll]

Change over to a thicker oil first.
It's cheaper and easier.
15W40 or 20w-50.
And replace your filter.

The engine could just be worn out a little.