Slightly low oil pressure at idle with a hot motor
#1
Slightly low oil pressure at idle with a hot motor
Hi guys,
I recently switched from a 2000 SS to a 98 SS (6spd this time). At idle, after the car is FULLY warmed, my idle is only 30-33psi or so. On my old 2000 SS, it would basically peg right at 40 or 41psi at idle.
I am running 10W30 mobil 1 with an ultragold AC delco filter and it stayed the same (from when I got it last weekend). No metal on the drain plug. Is this something to be concerned about? Motor has 65k on it, and is bone dead stock. Did the 98s have a slightly more quirky gauge, or weaker oil pump, or is the higher mileage the cause? Or hell, maybe M6 vs A4 (A4 at idle in drive, maybe some load? *shrug*) It seems to have great oil pressure when driving and on cold starts (like 45-50psi at idle when I first start it).
What are you guys seeing at idle in your stock M6 cars?
Dope
I recently switched from a 2000 SS to a 98 SS (6spd this time). At idle, after the car is FULLY warmed, my idle is only 30-33psi or so. On my old 2000 SS, it would basically peg right at 40 or 41psi at idle.
I am running 10W30 mobil 1 with an ultragold AC delco filter and it stayed the same (from when I got it last weekend). No metal on the drain plug. Is this something to be concerned about? Motor has 65k on it, and is bone dead stock. Did the 98s have a slightly more quirky gauge, or weaker oil pump, or is the higher mileage the cause? Or hell, maybe M6 vs A4 (A4 at idle in drive, maybe some load? *shrug*) It seems to have great oil pressure when driving and on cold starts (like 45-50psi at idle when I first start it).
What are you guys seeing at idle in your stock M6 cars?
Dope
#2
TECH Senior Member
Re: Slightly low oil pressure at idle with a hot motor
That sounds similar to what I saw at idle with my 98 Formula.
You might want to try a different oil though, like Redline or Amsoil 10w30. Both of them are thicker 30wts than Mobil 1, so you'll get a bit better protection, and your oil pressure would show higher at idle.
I'd recommend switching to a K&N oil filter though, those Ultraguards are pretty restrictive.
You might want to try a different oil though, like Redline or Amsoil 10w30. Both of them are thicker 30wts than Mobil 1, so you'll get a bit better protection, and your oil pressure would show higher at idle.
I'd recommend switching to a K&N oil filter though, those Ultraguards are pretty restrictive.
#3
Re: Slightly low oil pressure at idle with a hot motor
I actually use 5 quarts of 10w30 and 1 of 15w50 to combat oil usage. It really helps a lot (I don't know why). I bought my Ultragolds in bulk so I'll probably keep it. I used this same oil and filters in my old car so that's why I was wondering what the difference meant.
Dope
Dope
#5
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Re: Slightly low oil pressure at idle with a hot motor
Doesn't sound like anything to really worry about, mine stayed around 35-40 at idle in my '99 SS when warmed up (usually 40) with 61,000 miles. I just re-built the engine and with the LS6 pump it sets at 45+ warmed up now. This is a A4.
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Re: Slightly low oil pressure at idle with a hot motor
Mine was reading 22psi today at lunch...109 outside right now, coolant was 238, oil was 235. At idle, that is fine. As long as the pressure goes up with rpms to say 50-60psi by redline you're fine.
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Re: Slightly low oil pressure at idle with a hot motor
Are GM's dash gauges for oil pressure even that accurate? Mine reads pretty high when I first start up, but then goes back around (or a little under) 40psi. But I'm not sure how much trust I should put on that gauge ......as far as accuracy goes.