I just replaced a connecting rod and piston after a failed submarine attempt with my 92 dakota 4wd. Since I had the motor out and apart I honed the cylinders and replaced the rings, and the oil pump. I went with a stock oil pump instead of going wth a HV pump. This was probably a mistake but I figured this pump would be sufficient. When I put the motor back in and started driving I noticed that my oil pressure would go down low enough for the oil light to come on. I checked the oil level and it is good. So I thought it may be the sending unit so I installed an actual pressure gauge. When the engine is cold I have 50 PSI as it heats up I only have 25 PSI which would be fine but as I am sitting at a light in gear the pressure drops to around 6 PSI. My repair manual says 6 PSI is min. this sounds a bit low to me. My idle speed in gear is only around 150 - 200 RPM which is also a bit low for me but the throttle body is plugged from the factory and not adjustable. My timing is set at 15 deg BTC and the book calls for 12 deg BTC if I move the timing will the idle speed drop even farther or will it increase? What should I do?

 

What engine, how many miles on it and what is your idle speed when in park?