my 1991 camaro has 196k on it and the oil pressure skyrockets after the car warms up. once warm the needle stays buried (well over 100 psi) as long as i'm driving (60 mph) or speeding up from a stop. when idling it goes back down to low 20's (gauge goes from 0-80) or when going about 40 it will max out and then drop back down to 40-60 psi. the check engine light doesn't come on, the rpm's are always normal, and the car runs fine. what do i need to do so i don't have to worry about my oil pressure? is it just my oil pressure sender or is my oil pressure really that high? am i risking blowing a seal or gasket?

 

its probably the sender/gauge, mine does the same thing

 

sounds like you have a bad oil press. sensor . its not too bad to change . located above oil filter with elect. connector going to it . common problem with our cars .

 

Dont forget to use a decent amount of teflon tape (plumbers tape etc) around the sensor's threads. It's a common place for oil leaks to occur and this not only will destroy the sensor again, but it will fly back and destroy any rubber bushings and mounts the oil happens to find.

I just replaced mine due to it being stuck maxed out all the time, it leaked and was installed without any tape obviously. With the new sensor and no leaking, my sensor shows >60lbs on cold start to warming up, then it makes it's way to normal pressures. Though, even then it's not uncommon for it to spike to 60 or more.

 

thanks for the advice - i just replaced the sensor and took it for a spin. The pressure never went over 80 and stayed just above 60 while driving normally and and idled just under 40 like it did before. thanks again

 

Anyone know what size wrench is needed to remove the sensor?

And if I remove the oil pressure sensor, will oil come pouring out?

Oh, and would the cheapo sensor from Advance Auto Parts work fine? Which one do I need "with light" or "with gauge"?

My oil pressure will read 15-30 on startup and drop once warmed up. Also, after I get off the interstate and come to a stop, it drops to zero.

 

i believe its 1/2 or 9/16 wrench, oil wont come pouring out but a few drops might come out, and yes, the cheap sensor is fine.

 

i didn't have a wrench that fit so i just used an oversized angle pliers and after a little struggle it came loose. a few drops of oil is all you'll get, just make sure you don't break the sensor off.

 

Well, the cheap sensor isn't the right part. I don't know how you guys are getting the cheap sensor to work as it only has two terminals, where as you need the more expensive sensor with 3 terminals.

I was unplugging the connector and the damn clip broke off!! I'll just wrap it up with electrical tape. Though, that damn plug don't want to plug up. I'll have to fool with it tommorrow.