Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

OIL PRESSURE FALLS RAPIDLY AT IDLE!!!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-27-2000, 12:05 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
bowtieguy01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: rowlett tx usa
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
OIL PRESSURE FALLS RAPIDLY AT IDLE!!!!

OK I am freakin out here!!!
When I start it up the oil pressure is fine.
Its at 40-47 psi. When it finnaly idles down it goes to 25-33 psi. But when I put it into drive and go down the road I look down at the first stop light and its AT
FU(KING 14 PSI!!!!
One time it hit 12 psi and I put it into neutral and it went up to 14 to 15. My car idles at 600r's. But thats normal idle. But here's the weird thing. My oil pressure warning light hasnt come on yet, I talked to ward and he said his comes on at 18 psi. I have checked the light and it does work. PLEASE HELP!
bowtieguy01
Old 07-27-2000, 12:14 PM
  #2  
Banned
 
mcdeuce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Bridgeport
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
a lot of the time its a bad sender on these cars .. could also be worn bearings or oil pump pickup clogged
Old 07-27-2000, 01:24 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
 
NO RICE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
the movement on the oilpressure guage should not be quick. Get either a mechanical oil pressure guage(recommended) or a new oil pressuse sending unit... (like $7 at autozone)

I used to have this same problem, but mine started doing that right after I did a motorswap... I was freakin scared!!! new sending unit fixed it all...
Old 07-27-2000, 02:31 PM
  #4  
Member
Thread Starter
 
bowtieguy01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: rowlett tx usa
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Maybe I forgot to tell you,
I have an lcd display dash. So its electral.
86'vette
Bowtieguy01
Old 07-27-2000, 07:02 PM
  #5  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
John Millican's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Savannah, GA
Posts: 2,361
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1997 Jeep Wrangler
Engine: 4.0L
Transmission: 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 8.8 rear, 4.56 gears, 4:1 transfer
Originally posted by bowtieguy01:
But when I put it into drive and go down the road I look down at the first stop light and its AT FU(KING 14 PSI!!!!
One time it hit 12 psi and I put it into neutral and it went up to 14 to 15. My car idles at 600r's.

Even 12 psi at idle (600) is plenty for a good motor. That's assumeing the indicator is right, if it is everything's OK.
Average rule of thumb is 10 PSI for every 1000rpm. So at 3000rpm you should see at least 30psi oil pressure, if not then worry.
Old 07-28-2000, 07:07 AM
  #6  
Member
Thread Starter
 
bowtieguy01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: rowlett tx usa
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
OK. I'm calm again but should'nt I get some kind of warning light?
How much does a sending unit cost?
Bowtieguy01
Old 07-28-2000, 11:47 AM
  #7  
Supreme Member

 
82camaro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: NE
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Car: 82 camaro SC
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
I agree with John.
Low oil pressure light will usually come on around 5-7 psi.

------------------
82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro
Old 07-28-2000, 12:45 PM
  #8  
Moderator

 
Vader's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,368
Received 219 Likes on 179 Posts
bowtie,

Digital dash or not, the display will only use the information it is provided. The D/A/ converter still relies on an accurate signal from the ANALOG oil pressure sensor.

Verify the readings with a mechanical gauge and go from there. If the oil pressure is truly low, you might want to consider exploring the owners' manual for options about oil viscosity choices. SAE 30W synthetic might solve your problem if the sensor is accurate.

Later,
Vader

------------------
"Some Body...Someone"
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
89GTAOz
Tech / General Engine
13
05-16-2020 09:31 AM
db057
Tech / General Engine
4
08-22-2015 08:17 PM
355sbcTPI
Electronics
2
08-19-2015 04:38 PM
wayshegoes
Tech / General Engine
8
08-17-2015 12:00 PM



Quick Reply: OIL PRESSURE FALLS RAPIDLY AT IDLE!!!!



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:06 PM.