Anyone install a high volume oil pump?

[ireding]

I have a 99 4.0L with 156,000. Oil changed every 3000 miles. Oil pressure gauge reads 10 psi at idle and 25 psi at hi idle (2200 rpm) with no knocking. Replaced sending unit and low idle pressure increased to 15 psi and hi idle pressure increased to 35 psi. I bought the vehicle with 150,000 so don't know the history other than the owner said he changed oil evry 3000 miles. My quetion is I'm thinking of replacing the oil pump. For about $10 more I can install a high volume pump which supposedly delivers 10% more flow than stock. Has anyone installed a HV pump and what was your experiance. Also, is there any issues with front axle interference when dropping the oil pan? Thanks.

 

[Ecomike]

I had a friend of mine install a high volume oil pump several years ago. For the extra $10 I would do it for sure.

What Wt oil are you using? You might try going up a notch in viscosity, I run 20W50 dyno oil in mine all day long, now at 265,000 miles. The 20W50, in 100 F ambient weather, and the high flow pump give me 20 psi minimum at idle, and 55 psi at cold start ups, 30-35 psi cruising.

I was getting 9 psi at hot idle when I changed the pump and oil viscosity.

 

[ireding]

I run 10w30 in the winter and 10w40 in the summer. I usually use Fram or WIX filters - currently has a FRAM in it. I read somewhere on this forum that Fram filters result in lower oil pressure - find that hard to beleive but could be true I suppose. Any problem with addional wear to rings and bearings with 20w50?

 

[Ecomike]

Fram filters are real junk, could be your only oil pressure problem, I won't use anything but K & N now, as they are best, only ones with a real working anti drain back valve that I trust, the others like Fram are bad about dry, empty oil filter start ups that increase engine wear, shorten engine life.

Change the filter first.

20W50 is fine for an engine with your miles, in the summer, if a good, non-fram oil filter does not raise the OP.