[RESOLVED] Low oil pressure , im scared

[vancitydsm]

Hey guys, this has been bugging me and I don't want it to end up killing my motor. I do not have an after market gauge hooked up to my car, but when i look at the stock oil pressure gauge i see something that bugs me. At initial cold start my oil pressure gauge shows about half way, but when i warm it up to operating temp, it goes down to just above the bottom mark... I will get a gauge to see exactly whats up, but in the mean time shall i worry? Also is it a pain to change the pump? I'm dropping the pan anyways to replace the gasket so i figure i would do pump while I'm in there.. If its easy do you recommend one i can find on the net? thanx guys

 

[Maxboost1010]

I agree with VelocitaPaola and his psi results of

I try to let everything warm up before pushing the car.

While warmed up, I see about:

15-20psi @ idle
45-55psi @ cruise
55-65psi @ WOT


While cold, I see:

50-55psi @ idle
65-70psi @ cruise
100+psi @ WOT (not good)

I'm only speaking from personal experience but AFTER its wormed up and you are at idle (stop light or some thing) the gauge will be pretty low, my aftermarket one reads at about 15 psi and my stock one reads around the quarter mark I think. As you drive it should be at or slightly above the half way mark on the stock guage about 55 psi.
If you want to then you can refer to http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/420a-bolt-tech/289273-oil-pressure-gauge.html its some good info on oil pressure.

 

[absolute_DSM]

Remember VelocitàPaola is an NT and the OP is a turbo just to keep things in line.

Honestly, dont trust the stock gauge. But really, your reading dont sound abnormal. If youre really worried, grab an aftermarket oil pressure gauge.

And just so you know, the oil pump isnt the only reason the pressure would drop. There are lots of reasons that would happen...

 

[DJYoshaBYD]

it doesnt sound bad at all.. not for that car.. My dsm did it.. My friend's 3kgt VR4 does it.. Its normal.. Check the oil level just to be safe, though..

 

[DJYoshaBYD]

And just so you know, the oil pump isnt the only reason the pressure would drop. There are lots of reasons that would happen...

^^ ie worn bearings, bad/thin oil, low oil level, sludge.. Probably more that I cannot think of..

 

[94_eclipse]

This is normal for all DSM's, during start up your oil pressure will be in the operating range, then will drop just above the bottom mark. Then during driving it will return to the normal operating range.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/255293-oil-pressure-gauge-what-normal-owners-manual.html

 

[vancitydsm]

I'm gonna end up throwing an after market gauge on it for ease of mind.. I know there are many factors for oil pressure readings, i know the pump isn't the only thing which is gonna determine how much pressure i have, i know engine mechanicals have a lot to do with it as well.. was just curious if it would be worth changing when i drop my pan.. I'm not gonna get into any bearings... i dont want to disturb an already descent bottom end..

 

[DanThMan1983]

I wish I had an aftermarket oil pressure gauge. I am assuming my pressure is ok. if it makes you feel any better I just rebuilt my engine and if you want you can compare your oil pressure to mine. here is the video..

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uD4NX936J14&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uD4NX936J14&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

 

[Red97Eclipseboy]

My oil pressure is really high when it's cold. But once it warms up, I idle around 20psi, and WOT is about 80.

 

[Mr Peepers]

Oil pressure is the resistance of oil to flow. When you initially start your car, the oil is thicker(higher viscosity) and resists flowing through the oil galleys/bearings. Once the oil is at normal operating temp after ~30 minutes it will thin out- this will read as a drop in oil pressure but only means that it is a lower viscosity with less resistance to flow.

It is normal for oil pressure to drop after the car is warmed up, and I don't know if the stock oil pressure gauge can be considered accurate or calibrated consistently.