You won't find a precise "should be" number in PSI like you might for some older cars. Instead, look for the information in your owner's manual. It will specify a range of acceptable oil pressure at idle and at operating temperature.
To find the correct information:
1. Locate your owner's manual: This is the best source for your vehicle's specific specifications.
2. Check the engine compartment: A sticker might be located under the hood providing some maintenance information, potentially including oil pressure specs.
3. Consult a reliable repair manual: A Haynes or Chilton manual for your specific year and model Skylark will contain this information.
General Guidance (but not a substitute for your owner's manual): Most vehicles will have an oil pressure gauge that shows adequate pressure when the engine is running at operating temperature. A reading near zero or fluctuating wildly indicates a problem. Typically, at idle, you might expect to see 10-20 PSI, but this increases significantly with engine RPM. Again, consult your owner's manual. Improper oil pressure can severely damage your engine.
