Oil Pressure

First, This is a great forum. I guess I have lurked here for quite a while but never posted.

I have a 1997 Venture and have done the LIM 3 times, replaced a motor, and this past weekend put new heads on.

Everything seems to be running good. My motor seems to want to run with the temp straight up at 210, even though I put a 195 T-stat in. Is this normal?

Also, I want to check the oil pressure. I have a fresh oil change in it. However, When I peak in the valve cover via the oil fill hole, I see very dark oil. Yet the oil off the dip stick is clear. I am concerned whether I am getting the proper oil lubrication up through the push rods.

Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

Anybody add aftermartket gauges?

If you are not getting any lifter noise, then I suspect you have adequate oil pressure.

You can rig up a test gage without actually plumming a gage into the cabin. You need to by a gage kit and temporarily replace the sending unit with the gage hardware. If the car refuse to start after you remove the sending unit, you may have to plum a "T" fitting in the line and have both. ( Some computers will not turn on fuel pump until it receives adequate oil pressure info. ) Once your satisfied , you can remove the gage or complete the installation into the cabin. Oil pressure should read no less than 20 psi at idle ( with engine hot ) to around 45-60 psi at highway speeds.