OK I changed my oil on Sunday. If it counts, I used 10W40 (I want to say Shell but can't recall...my dad had a case of it so I used it) and a Fram TG30 filter.

Today is Tuesday and right now my oil pressure gauge fluctuates between 45 and 60+ when I'm stopped/at low speed, yet is pegged at 60+ when the car is running. Car also smells kind of funny after driving it. Can't quite describe the smell.

Car runs fine though, however gas mileage seems a bit lower than normal. Oil levels are normal.

WTF is going on??

 

When did you check the oil? After it had been on for a bit? Or cold?

Was the oil sinthetic?

Thid you prime the filter and stuff?

Not sure what would make it smell bad. Maybe with more details we can track down this mystery smell.

 

- I checked the oil just this morning, I parked at a gas station and checked it. Should I check it later when it's cold?

- No, it was regular oil. 10W40.

- By "prime" do you mean rubbing some oil around the edge? If so then yes.

I honestly don't know if the smell is related to anything, but it seems like a coincidence to me.

 

Priming refers to filling the oil filter before screwing to the block so the system doesnt run dry while the pick up pipe waits for oil.
Putting oil round the seal is good of course.
I would check to see if the filters seated, and the sump [oil pan] nut is not leaking. Sounds like you might have some spilt oil somewhere getting hot and making some fumes.

 

I will check those when I get home and can jack up the car, however if I was spilling oil wouldn't I notice when I pulled the dipstick? The dipstick was not anywhere near the level where I'd need to add oil.

 

Just a few drops leaking on a manifold can be pretty smelly.

 

It could be a little oil spilt and just getting hot enough to smell and not burn up. Or maybe even burn up. Not a big deal at all. Should go away after it all burns off. Try and trace the smell, chances are you will find a few drops or a little pudle someplace strange. Not enough oil gone to effect the level in the pan.

 

All right, well I'll check into it. I sure hope it's something as simple as that!

But would this have anything to do with my oil pressure issue? Basically at cruising speed it stays pegged at over 60 (which I'm not too sure is accurate, but it has stayed at this level pretty much ever since I bought the car in June 2004, at any speed.) but when I'm stopped or going slow it fluctuates between 45 and 60+.

It's just surprising to me since I've virtually never seen this gauge go below 60+ since I bought the car...

 

I would buy a new sensor. Just for easy reassurance.

Then go from there.


Maybe later check the pressure yourself with a guage that is more precise and you know works 100%. Or ask a mechanic to check.

 

Well, you guys were right...kinda

Sure enough the drain plug wasn't tightened enough and there was oil leaking...however the pressure still fluctuates (not quite as much though) and it still smells funny...but that is probably the excess oil that still hasn't burned off yet.

As for the gauge, they are known to go bad and the car runs excellently so I'm not going to sit and worry about it, unless you guys think I should.

Thanks for all the help! Keep your eyes peeled for a "transmission fluid leaking" thread that I'm going to post as soon as I get more details one problem after another...