The oil pressure in my '69 280SL shot up to 45 (top of the gauge) yesterday. It was low on oil, so I put in a quart. Today the needle's still at the top of the gauge. Any idea what normal oil pressure should be? Any troubleshooting tips?

Thank you,
Nellie

First question I have is, what was your pressure reading before?

If the pressure gauge pegs at 45 lbs while driving, you have good pressure. At idle it might drop to 15 lbs, possibly less, as long as it doesn't drop to zero. At idle if the pressure is say, 15 lbs, as soon as you take off the needle should jump to 45 and stay there while underway.

With the oil capacities of these engines, I don't think one quart down would effect the pressure reading, but I could be wrong.

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Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5

Normal.
The only time mine are not pegged is at low idle on hot days.