1993 3.8L low oil pressure at 900-1000 rpm

[quarrymodeler]

Hello,

I have a 1993 transport with a 3.8L V6 with low oil pressure at 900 to 1000 rpm. The oil pressure gage reads roughly 25 to 30 psi. At 1800 to 2000 rpm the gage reads 39 to 40 psi. I've been told that the problem could be worn main bearings. The van has 208,000 miles on it so I have a tendency to agree. However, I am holding out hope that one of you may have a different diagnosis such as a bad sending unit or some other less expensive solution to my problem.
If it is main bearings, any thoughts as to the best path to take to fix the problem: (replace bearings, rebuild or replace the engine)? Thanks in advance on any responses!!!

[Paul Taylor]

I wouldnt call that low oil pressure..
I have a 70,000 mile engine in my 93 3800.
When fully hot it has about 35psi at idle, and at 2000rpm its about 50psi.

Thats with regular oil changes and running on 15w/40 oil.

My last 3800 engine on the other hand had 131000 miles, and had 0 psi at idle and maybe 15psi at 2000rpm. And that made a lot of banging noises !!!.


Paul TAylor. UK