2G New build, New parts, Low Oil Pressure at Idle

[Purple_Demon]

I know I will probably catch hell for this, but I am having a low oil pressure issue on my new build and cant seem to figure out why. I have been through two gauges. One mechanical gauge and one auto meter digital gauge with remote mount sending unit. Both read anywhere form 0psi-5psi at idle(jumps between 700-1100rpm). During cruise at 60mph the mechanical gauge showed 15-17psi and the digital shows 15psi on the dot. During initial startup there is no out of the ordinary noise, nor do I show any signs of lifter tick. So far I have put close to 75 miles on the build and changed the oil three times(10w30 valvoline conventional) and there are no signs of any bearing wear.

Revised 7 bolt 2.0L
Eagle Rods
Ross Pistons
OEM crank
ACL Race Standard size main bearings
ACL Race Standard size rod bearings
BSE with OEM kit and bearings flipped
OEM oil pump from previous motor(known to be a good pump)
Forward Facing oil filter housing(un-ported)

Oil galleys sanded and polised on block
Cylinder head oil pressure mod

Extreme PSI remote mount oil pressure sending unit
Auto meter digital oil pressure gauge
NAPA mechanical oil pressure gauge

I get my pressure reading from the bottom port closest to the oil filter off of the housing. It is run in a T with my turbo oil feed line. I have read through numerous threads, but have yet to find a solution to this issue that seems to be fairly common. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what may be causing my supposed low oil pressure? I am honestly at a loss as to what I should check next.

 

[pauleyman]

the part the grabs me is you have a t feed somewhere else. pressure sensor ought to have its own dedicated port I would think.

 

[Purple_Demon]

I thought it was normal for the pressure sensor to be run with a T in conjunction with the turbo feed? Ive seen dozens ran that way.

 

[Purple_Demon]

Rear Balance shaft bearing didnt get flipped during the BSE upon assembly. My own mistake. Hopefully this was the issue at hand

 

[Purple_Demon]

Found my issue. When I did the BSE I did not get the rear bearing lined up properly. I had to use a magnet to hold it in place and my guess is the oil hole was still exposed. I flipped the rear bearing and put everything back together and now have sufficient oil pressure. 80 on cold start, 22psi cold idle, 11-12 psi warm idle. 85psi at 4500rpm. Ill be looking into a mild oil filter housing port if the pressure stays that high at higher rpm. OR once I discover the average pressure after the tuning is finished.

 

[GST with PSI]

I'd immediately drain the oil and cut open the filter to inspect for metal and bearing material. If you were cruising at 60 MPH with only 17 PSI of oil pressure (and that was just at the gauge itself) there's a very likely chance you damaged something.

I guess it's almost moot at this point, as the damage is already done. But, I'd still like to know if my motor had a chance in hell of going the distance or not. My money would be on not based on your posts above.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Great glad you solved that issue .

 

[Purple_Demon]

Didn't have metal in the pan or filter. I didn't put but maybe 5-10 miles on it with the pressure that low so it looks like I dodged a bullet. Got it tuned yesterday and it did fantastic. Averaged 8-10psi at idle, 45psi at cruise, and 85psi on WOT pulls. I need to do a tad bit of porting on the ofh, but I'll get to that when I replace the crank sensor since it crapped out yesterday.