High/low and otherwise scary oil pressure [Merged 3-9]

[Bluefire16]

Ok so ive read a number of different threads but have not come up with much. I have checked my connection to my pressure regulator and the switch. I have connected it and disconnected it, talked to 3 different people. One is currently attending a mechanic school, the other works at a quick lube, and lastly another is a respected dsm member with 3 different dsm's with 450whp each. I have spoken to all of them and have not come up with much, here are the pics. THe first one, oil pressure when car is warm and just sitting and idling. THe second is on the highway going 70mph. It drops soon as im off the gas. I understand my oil pressure should not be this high, any reasons why?
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[jrohner]

If you're really paranoid you can send in a sample of your oil to this company - they can tell you if there's even minute amounts of water in your oil:
Blackstone Laboratories

I bet it would be cheaper to just replace the headgasket than to have that done.

If it was my car, I'd just change oil and then keep an eye on it.

 

[98gsxtuner]

I could'nt really tell if it was sweet it deff smelled out of place,as far as being low i guess i forgot to check with taking all the pictures and posting on here and stuff ill check tmrw after work and let ya know and i just want to say thank you for all your help bro i appreciate it.

I couldnt tell if it was a sweet smell our not it was deffinantly an odd smell,and i forgot to check the level with the taking of the pictures and getting back on the computer to post and all that, I'll check tmrw after work and let you know.

 

[lacroixdp]

I bet it would be cheaper to just replace the headgasket than to have that done.

If it was my car, I'd just change oil and then keep an eye on it.

The oil test is only $22.50. I get it done after each oil change since it's so cheap. Definitely cheap insurance that could potentially save you damage to your engine.

 

[91tizzy]

I need compression readouts to go any further with an online diagnosis. It does indeed sound like a possible blown headgasket.

 

[lacroixdp]

I could'nt really tell if it was sweet it deff smelled out of place,as far as being low i guess i forgot to check with taking all the pictures and posting on here and stuff ill check tmrw after work and let ya know and i just want to say thank you for all your help bro i appreciate it.

If you can't tell on the smell, I'd strongly encourage you to have a hydrocarbon test done by a mechanic... with the additional information you gave me it definitely sounds like a head gasket is at least a possibility. I wouldn't drive it until you confirm if that's the case. It's no problem helping you - that's what we're here for. Online diagnosis can definitely try your patience though - it's a lot easier to figure out things when you can look at the motor in person

 

[98gsxtuner]

i will, what do you think about the oil when i took the spark plug out.

 

[lacroixdp]

i will, what do you think about the oil when i took the spark plug out.

If you didn't already, slap a new pair of plugs in and see how they look in a few thousand miles. You definitely need a compression test though.

 

[98gsxtuner]

you think that napa would have the compresion tester if so ill get one after work.

 

[lacroixdp]

They would but I'd imagine it will cost a bit more there. You can always rent one from Autozone or buy one for $10 at Harbor Freight.

 

[98gsxtuner]

Well the thing is i have a napa down the street i would have to drive 50 miles to hit a autozone up.

 

[lacroixdp]

They have one on their website but the price is $47.99. Is there an advance auto or a pepboys or anything like that near you? Hell; TSC should carry them too. It will work - it's just very expensive for an otherwise cheap tool.

 

[98gsxtuner]

nope all atleast 45 miles away

Well man thanks again for all the help im gunna get to bed, ill get the tester tmrw and let you know what the results are.

 

[98gsxtuner]

Ok guys i just picked up a compression tester so ill get that dun and get the numbers up.

 

[evileclipse909]

This is going to sound wierd but taste your spark plugs. Tell us if it tastes kind of bitter and sweet. And are you sure that it was a pudle of oil on top of your piston and not coolent or fuel?

 

[98gsxtuner]

It looked like oil,i just went outside and let the car run with the radiator cap off, the color of the coolent look so so it was green but it kinda looked a lil brown aswell. It was foamy and had little bubbles while the engine was cool after it warmed up the bubbles and foam went away. Now i went to the back of the car and there was water shooting out and i had a lil puddle underneath the muffler and a puddle inside the muffler. So have i confirmed a headgasket problem??? when i get the time i will perform the compression test. So with the information i have givin do you guys thnk its a headgasket if so im gunna start the teardown.

 

[stevo911]

I think its a head gasket. I would suggest the head gasket and while you got the head off just visual inspect the valves.

 

[98gsxtuner]

ok heres the compression numbers starting with cyclinder number 4=165 3=155 2=155 1=165

 

[98gsxtuner]

I see people viewing the thread and nobody is else is really replying, anybody else with sum info please help.

 

[lacroixdp]

Your compression is definitely good (it's not as high as it could be, 178PSI, but it's well within service limits). The service limit on your motor is around 133PSI. It's also just about even, which is a good sign. You will get some condensation and minimal amounts of water out of your exhaust when it's cold - that's perfectly normal. The 'little bit' of brown in the antifreeze could just be dirty antifreeze - I'd still encourage you to get a hydrocarbon test to verify the status of your head gasket. There just isn't enough symptoms here, IMHO, to seal the deal. A mechanic's verification in this case is warranted. The cost will be minimal - it's cheap to test for a head gasket leak.

 

[rush2252]

is this still a problem?

 

[98gsxtuner]

Well i guess it is i'm hesitant to drive it untill i get a deff answer on it im waiting for my oil test kit and on friday im changing the oil and flushing the coolant system. Then im going to get a hydrocarbon test dun.

 

[lacroixdp]

That's a good idea man - it doesn't take too long for antifreeze to cook your bearings. No point in taking unnecessary risks! Get the hydrocarbon test done before you flush your antifreeze.

 

[98gsxtuner]

Ok im gunna have the wifey call a shop intown and see if they will do one for me wy wifes grandpa has a 92 chevy with a 6.5L turbo deisel that he is giving me so ill have that to drive. I'll let the dsm have a well deserved rest and TLC.

 

[lacroixdp]

Let us know how it turns up - I'm sure it'll be fine

 

[garrek11]

ok so my 92 talon tsi oil pressure is being really wierd. i have a couple leaks here and there but lately i have noticed my oil pressure has been all over the place some times it runs perfect but most of the time it is running on L when im at idle but then when i get up to speed it makes it to the minimum amount line?: