84 Camaro oil pressure
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
84 Camaro oil pressure
I have a 84 camaro 2.8L, I only run it in summer. The pressure was always well above 60psi at start up and would go to 40psi hot. its been steadily droping all summer to now 50psi cold and about 20psi hot. I have had the car for 3 years and the pressure was always the same but now changes. Could a sending unit go bad slowly? This has been happening throughout this summer and I have been watching it closely.
I have noticed water on the dip stick, and in the air cleaner but not losing any antifreeze. I Changed the oil to see if there was any water in the pan and there wasn't. If it was blow by would it not blow oil as well? Is this water issue serious enough to cause engine damage?
I know I could run thicker oil or some STP, but the issue is that something is happening and I would like to correct it quick.
When I bought the car I thought that is was a rebuilt engine but could not verify that. If the engine was broken in could that explain the oil pressure. I have noticed more horse power this year and thought that might be the case. The engine seemed very tight before. Any help would be great.
Wade
I have noticed water on the dip stick, and in the air cleaner but not losing any antifreeze. I Changed the oil to see if there was any water in the pan and there wasn't. If it was blow by would it not blow oil as well? Is this water issue serious enough to cause engine damage?
I know I could run thicker oil or some STP, but the issue is that something is happening and I would like to correct it quick.
When I bought the car I thought that is was a rebuilt engine but could not verify that. If the engine was broken in could that explain the oil pressure. I have noticed more horse power this year and thought that might be the case. The engine seemed very tight before. Any help would be great.
Wade
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,653
Likes: 309
LW,
The presence of water in the oil can be normal if the car is driven for short distances only, the PCV system is not fully operational, or the engine is operated in high humidity conditions at low to moderate temperatures. The presence of a small amount of water should not cause a significant change in oil pressure, since the water should evaporate and be evacuated by the PCV system once the engine reaches full operating temperature.
As for the pressure sending unit failing in a mode that causes a slowly declining reading at the gauge, that is entirely possible. It is also possible that the pressure reading is correct, and that the engine is beginning to develop more bearing clearance, has a weakening oil pump or pressure relief valve spring, or has some other restriction or internal leak of the lubrication system. The best way to determine any of that is with a mechanical oil pressure gauge attached to the engine. You'll be able to determine the reliability of the dash gauge right away, and further analyze any remaining problems.
The presence of water in the oil can be normal if the car is driven for short distances only, the PCV system is not fully operational, or the engine is operated in high humidity conditions at low to moderate temperatures. The presence of a small amount of water should not cause a significant change in oil pressure, since the water should evaporate and be evacuated by the PCV system once the engine reaches full operating temperature.
As for the pressure sending unit failing in a mode that causes a slowly declining reading at the gauge, that is entirely possible. It is also possible that the pressure reading is correct, and that the engine is beginning to develop more bearing clearance, has a weakening oil pump or pressure relief valve spring, or has some other restriction or internal leak of the lubrication system. The best way to determine any of that is with a mechanical oil pressure gauge attached to the engine. You'll be able to determine the reliability of the dash gauge right away, and further analyze any remaining problems.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Navy8125
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
4
Aug 21, 2015 09:32 AM
