Hi Ben,

When was the last time the coolant was changed? If the coolant is too
strong, too diluted or polluted with contaminants then it can't do its
job properly. That will definitely increase engine temps and lower the
oil pressure. I think cold weather can actually make this worse somehow,
  but don't ask me to explain it.

Just recently I had a similar issue with my wife's 1985 Cabriolet. It
was running hot and that was causing low oil pressure. This vehicle is
new to me so I didn't know much of the service history. I started with
the inexpensive stuff first and sure enough a cooling system flush and
refill solved the problem.

Just a thought I figured worth sharing, as I hadn't seen anyone else
mention it.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
www.busesofthecorn.com
www.pottsfamily.ca

Ben S wrote:
> if this is a problem with the oil getting too hot, what could be
> causing it?  or is this consistent with what people see in old engines
> that are starting to die?  and if this is the sign of excessive
> bearing clearances, how long do i have before i spin one?  i'm mainly
> trying to determine if this is a sign that i'm about to get stranded
> in the mountains somewhere during the next snowstorm with a blown
> engine.
>
> thanks.
>
> Ben.
>