losing oil pressure?

1991 BUICK REGAL
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UMPY SWALDING
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My buick regal is losing oil pressure when it gets hot. The gauge hovers just above the red at stop lights and goes up to 40 while driving. I think its the oil pump? My question is, Is there any kind of special oil I can put in it to keep it running while, once it heats up and the pressure goes down, it has alot of ticking.
Jan 28, 2012 at 6:49 PM
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CARADIODOC
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You can verify the low pressure with a mechanical oil pressure gauge, but since you're hearing the lifters suspect excessive engine bearing wear, low oil level, or the oil is too thin from being diluted with raw fuel. If the oil seems to run off the dipstick like water, change it first to see if that helps. Raw fuel in the oil can occur from a recent no-start condition where the injectors were firing but there was no spark. Coolant in the oil from a leaking head gasket will melt the first layer of metal on the crankshaft and connecting rod bearings.
Jan 28, 2012 at 7:14 PM