2G LOW oil pressure at idle. please help....

[fbodyfreak]

I have a 98 gsx. Today I replaced the oil pan seal with right stuff rtv. Also did an oil change at the same time (mobil 1 10-30). No major leaks afterwards BUT the oil pressure still reads low. Real low, like on the bottom line at idle when warm, idk what that is, 1psi? It goes up to 1/4 when driving city, and almost halfway on the freeway. Why so low at idle though!? Please help, I don't want this car to blow up!!


Oil level is marking fine.
Searching suggests maybe a bad sending unit?

 

[boost97gst]

Is your "dummy light" coming on? If not, and you know it works, then the gauge sender unit is faulty or has a poor connection. No big deal. The dummy light is much more important than the stock gauge. Its triggered around 7psi i believe(dont quote me)

 

[TurboLaserRS]

If it's your factory oil pressure gauge you're refferring to, you're probably freaking out about nothing. My oil pressure gauge (stock) reads below the minimum line when fully warmed up unless I'm revving or on the freeway just like you. I removed my oil pressure sensor and plugged in a manual oil pressure gauge. I was sitting at 22psi of oil pressure at idle, which is quite good for an old tired 6 bolt. I'd say if your oil pressure idiot light isn't on not to worry. But if you're still feeling skeptical see if you can borrow a manual gauge from someone and hook it up real quick to check your pressures.

 

[fbodyfreak]

If it's your factory oil pressure gauge you're refferring to, you're probably freaking out about nothing. My oil pressure gauge (stock) reads below the minimum line when fully warmed up unless I'm revving or on the freeway just like you. I removed my oil pressure sensor and plugged in a manual oil pressure gauge. I was sitting at 22psi of oil pressure at idle, which is quite good for an old tired 6 bolt. I'd say if your oil pressure idiot light isn't on not to worry. But if you're still feeling skeptical see if you can borrow a manual gauge from someone and hook it up real quick to check your pressures.

Is your "dummy light" coming on? If not, and you know it works, then the gauge sender unit is faulty or has a poor connection. No big deal. The dummy light is much more important than the stock gauge. Its triggered around 7psi i believe(dont quote me)

The dummy light has never come on. Its a stock pressure gauge.
I've had the car for a few weeks now. After redoing the oil pan seal and an oil change, it still seemed low.
But the light has never come on.
I think that I might hook up a manual Oil pressure sensor just for peace of mind.
A question I have though is: would the oil press. sensor/sending unit be bad? Or are these cars just retarded?

 

[boost97gst]

Like i said in my first post: The sending unit could be faulty.....

 

[Gsxster]

I have a 98 gsx. Today I replaced the oil pan seal with right stuff rtv. Also did an oil change at the same time (mobil 1 10-30). No major leaks afterwards BUT the oil pressure still reads low. Real low, like on the bottom line at idle when warm, idk what that is, 1psi? It goes up to 1/4 when driving city, and almost halfway on the freeway. Why so low at idle though!? Please help, I don't want this car to blow up!!


Oil level is marking fine.
Searching suggests maybe a bad sending unit?

You could just replace sending unit, as it's not too expensive. I've owned 4 dsms and I can say this was normal. Good luck

 

[lee98talon]

I guess, the worse case scenario will be worn out bearings or oil pump. But, i will suggest an oil pressure gauge to get more of an accurate oil pressure reading before jumping to conclusion.

 

[My1GLaser]

First thing is to make sure the wire is tight on the sending unit! I cut the end off and crimped a spade connector on that fit perfectly and the pressure gauge reads normal.

 

[1qkfwd]

Sounds normal to me. Just remember if you tap in with a manual gauge to use an 1/8 bpt fitting. The factory threads for the sending unit are not NPT.

 

[lee98talon]

so, it is normal for the stock in dash oil pressure gauge to sit down low at idle ?

 

[boost97gst]

First thing is to make sure the wire is tight on the sending unit! I cut the end off and crimped a spade connector on that fit perfectly and the pressure gauge reads normal.

Bingo

 

[lee98talon]

Soo, the stock oil pressure gauge is not suppose to read low ? Where does needle usually say at idle after warm up ?

 

[lars y]

On my rebuilt engine with BSEK its reading about a bit over midway of those two markings at idle. And it goes over the top marking when on highway, so i think i need to port my oil relief valve.
But i guess if the gauge is showing somewhere between the two markings it should be fine.