Okay guys, this is really freaking me out. Last night going into the city i got stuck ni good ole chicago traffic(gotta love the city!!) Anyways, while i was sitting there my idle dropped to about 600 rpms. I know that it used to idle at right about 900 to 1000. When the idle dropped so did my oil pressure! The pressure dropped all the way to zero. I know the guage is good(i changed the sending unit and the actual gauge last month)I had to move because traffic was, then when i stopped again the idle was at the normal 900 and the pressure was at like 17 like it usually is. This kept happening everytime i stopped and went. I know my IAC valve is bad, and i think that may be my idle issues, but would the oil pressure not read if the rpms drop that low? The car has the exact amount of oil, and it's not leaking, so i have no idea what is up. I am afraid to drive it, i dont wanna lose oil pressure cruising down the road!!!!! Help me if you can please!!!

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1991 Firebird
3.1 Liter
No Mods(yet)

 

The lower the engine idles, the lower the oil pressure will be, what you need to do in order to ease your mind, would be to have the oil pressure checked with a known, good gauge setup.

Mechanical gauges are usually more accurate than electrical, and can be purchased for 30-40 bucks for a good one...this would probably be cheaper than having a shop check it out for you.

 

I was just thinking about that. So if my pressure is okay, could it be a faulty sending unit or gauge. And, my idle still should not be that low should it?

[This message has been edited by 9D1BURD (edited June 22, 2001).]

 

Either could be at fault, or neither if the mains are worn.

I've never looked at a 6cyl setup, but would take a guess and say the IAC is not behaving properly.

 

Mains? Like front and rear seals, or bearings? It's only got 90,000 miles so i hope not.