Low oil pressure on startup after oil change

[Rajin]

Went thru the search, nothing seemed the same to my particular issue, question.

After changing the oil on my car today (old oil, previous owner ran something cheap)

First fire up, the oil pressure jumped straight up to the first notch line, the normal after some driving so on. I let it run, checked for leaks and all the common and it was all well.

I noticed during the oil change that the oil filters using a 51381 Wix oil filter, which is wider and flatter than the normal 51356 that the car called for. So I went and bought another 51381 (i'm thinking this is a 1G filter and oil housing?)

So after sitting for about 2 hours I came back started her up and I got oil pressure, but it was low, just a little above the line, maybe 1/3 the way between bottom line and middle line. Is this normal?

I mean, after the change at first it was fine, I can let it run and rev it after 10 minutes and the oil climbs to barely under the middle line and stays even. Any ideas?

 

[jrohner]

Once fully warmed up, most dsm's show fairly low at idle, and just past straight up when cruising.

What weight & kind of oil did you use?

 

[Rajin]

10W30. The normal, should I be using 10W40 instead?


It's a pretty much stock motor, has a FMIC, 16G, and a few other bolt ons but nothing hardcore.

I mean it's low though, like just a little over the first line, but I get no warning light.

Also, my 2GB is white too.

 

[zedicus]

also, double check and make sure the seal on the old filter didn't stick to the filter housing.
the old filter might have been partially clogged, dirty. causing slightly higher pressure.
4g64 engines (not identical to but simila) show low enough oil pressure at idle to kick on the oil light, the shop i use to work at fixed this by slightly raising the idle speed, about 100 rpm is all it took.

just things to check, as long as theres no leak and its running fine, its probably not a problem.

ive seen some filters come with bad bypass valves, try another new filter just to check it out. or rinse the old one with diesel, put it back on temporarily to see how it acts.

 

[Rajin]

Awesome, yes it does idle low for a 4G63, I probably should raise the idle, when the AC is on, it'd idling at like 450rpms.

 

[Dhan]

Like he said above, the oil gauge registers as pretty low at idle and will kind of jump around during shifts and acceleration. To be honest, I wouldn't put a whole lot of stock into the OE gauge. Like the boost gauge, it's really not giving you accurate information. I recommend investing in a proper aftermarket oil pressure gauge as well as a boost gauge.

Normal idle is 750 rpms. I have my base idle at about 825 though.

450 is very low. It shouldn't drop below 650, even with the a/c pulley running off the engine.

 

[Rajin]

Exactly, its got aftermarket gauges. Prosport. I've just yet too get too hooking the oil gauge up, well, because I've never done it I'm afraid I'll end up going to the wrong sensor.. Advice?

 

[jrohner]

So it doesn't even break the 2nd line when cruising at 3-grand or so?

I prefer a little thicker than 10w30 I guess. Idle is supposed to be 750 rpms stock, so set it there (still too low IMO, but whatever). Rig up a real pressure gauge if you're worried.


Before I even read your post, I was thinking Fram oil filter, but at least you're not using one of those.

 

[zedicus]

get an adapter block the mounts onto the oil filter housing. its easier then splitting the line.

definatly raise the idle if that is accurate what you are seeing.

 

[Dhan]

There are a ton of write ups floating around the net. There's a decent article on this site in the tech guide. If I can find the link, I'll cut/paste it.

My gauges either came with instructions or I searched around on here. It's pretty easy stuff and it'll help you get more acquainted with your car

This may be of some help Auto Meter Instructions



Also, consider uping your base idle via the BISS (little screw by throttle body). Make sure you do it by grounding the appropriate plugs using alligator clips or similar.

 

[jrohner]

There's probably another port available on the OFH, if not just use a brass T fitting.

 

[Rajin]

The sender is on the downside of the filter housing or where? I received a sender unit, and a splitter line plus electric wire but I don't know, gauges were on car, they are Prosport Electricals

 

[airmail96]

I run a Prosport oil guage in my car, you will need an adapter to take it to BPST fitting to NPT fittings I think I found mine on amazon somewhere, and then it is just a matter of following their instructions for the ground wire and the power wire. The ground from the sensor and the ground for the guage get tied together.

 

[zedicus]

The sender is on the downside of the filter housing or where? I received a sender unit, and a splitter line plus electric wire but I don't know, gauges were on car, they are Prosport Electricals

yup, elctric gauges have a sender unit that taps into the oil line. then the wires go from it to the gauge. depending on the gauge youll have either a power wire to the gage directly. or everything from the sender first.
###### can get instructions on the manufactures website.

(why the puck is pro...lly always bleeped)

 

[Rajin]

I run a Prosport oil guage in my car, you will need an adapter to take it to BPST fitting to NPT fittings I think I found mine on amazon somewhere, and then it is just a matter of following their instructions for the ground wire and the power wire. The ground from the sensor and the ground for the guage get tied together.

I didn't get any instructions, I'll have too look them up, and BPST too NPT alright, I was about to go outside and hook it up.

Can anyone tell me, is the sensor on top or too the side?

 

[jrohner]

The smaller one is for the idiot light, the bigger one is for the gauge.

 

[Rajin]

Awesome, as to reiterate, I took this from another user

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Mine sits a tad lower than that at idle, I do think it needs new rings (a lil white smoke now and then, some hard starts)

Also, the oil pressure light is on the right side correct?

 

[jrohner]

That's probably just fine. Take a pic when you're cruising at around 3000 rpms too; figure out a way to do it safely though

 

[Rajin]

That's probably just fine. Take a pic when you're cruising at around 3000 rpms too; figure out a way to do it safely though

Put it on or under the middle dot and thats the 3krpm cruising pressure.
I think the gauge may be off. Because one time it went full blown max psi.