I have an 88 GTA, L98 engine with 140,000 miles. The oil pressure will drop to zero at idle. When the oil pressure drops the car starts running real rough and died on me once. I checked the oil and it was a little low (about a quart). I also noticed a little smoke coming out of the dip stick opening. Does anyone have a clue as to whats going on.
Jacob

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88 GTA Notchback
A4 / 350
Stock
** New User Name**

Kill List:
95 Mustang GT |88 Mustang GT
94? Impala (real close)|97 Dodge Neon
86 Corvette |2000 Prowler
88 ASC GTA | And a few more Accords and Neon's.

And more Civic's then I can count. Why do they even bother?

 

A little more info...I just made a trip to the store and back. The car started off fine..no problems, oil pressure was fine. But the pressure got worse as I drove along. I didnt bottom out like it did before but when I pulled into the driveway I was just above 0. The pressure also drops when I put the car in gear.

Im at a loss.

 

sounds like you at least need a new oil pump. and it may well be time for a seious overhaul.

Anthony

 

What are the signs of a oil pump starting to go bad? My car has about 93,000 miles on it.
I use 10w30 oil..

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89 RS Camaro, LO3 305 TBI
Cooling Fan Overide Switch
L69 Duel Snorkel Intake
Dynomax Ultra Flo SS Cat Back

 

A bad oil pump doesnt supply adequate pressure. I wouldnt go driving your car around if the pressure is really that low, could damage it. Its more than likely the sender, I am pretty sure the 88 has one sender for both the gauge and the fuel pump, and if it drops below 15psi for a certain amount of time (not positive how long) the fuel flow gets cut off, which would explain the stalling.

Try a new sender and see if the oil pressure still is low or not.

 

Thats what happened to me. The sneder was bad, I replaced it andnow its constant at 35psi. If you don't know it has a vaccuum seal 1 point connector going in and is found on the DS (and a little down) of the distributor. Hope that helps.

-Max

 

BTT