no indicated oil pressure at idle

[silvah_gsx]

First, after searching the forums, it seems as if this is a problem about which few have posted; so here goes:

At idle, the factory oil pressure guage is at the very bottom. While driving, the guage reads about mid-way up, but returns to the bottom when I stop. All other oil pressure guages I've seen indicate some pressure at idle, so I presume (and have been told by others) that my oil pump is on its way out.

A. Is this something with which one can drive for long periods or is it already causing engine damage?

B. Is it a warning of IMMINENT pump failure?

Thanks in advance,
Ari.

 

[luv2rallye]

Assuming your not low on oil, the oil pressure gauge reading low at idle is common on this car. As long as it moves up with rpm. If you didn't have pressure at idle your engine would be seized by now. You could try another sender to see if that's it. Here's a couple posts on low oil pressure and what they found and did: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197876&highlight=oil+pressure+gauge+reading+low
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188771&highlight=oil+pressure+switch
Also disconnect the oil sender and ground it to make sure your oil gauge works (reads full right).

 

[silvah_gsx]

Oil level is fine, so will look into getting new sender/guage and going from there.

Thanks for the advice

 

[MrBoxx]

I've just learned to live with it. At first it scared me, but then from talking to other DSM'ers, I found it to be a very common thing. An aftermarket oil pressure gauge should be able to tell the correct pressure, much like the stock boost gauge is useless and an aftermarket one is accurate.

 

[Defiant]

Normal DSM quirk.