Oil pressure problem
Oil pressure problem Okay i have a problem i have no oil pressure at idle.
its fine when i start it but when it heats up the pressure
goes all the way to the red. i replaced the sending unit
and still nothing. but when i get on the gas it goes up
so i have no clue what it could be. any advise?
its fine when i start it but when it heats up the pressure
goes all the way to the red. i replaced the sending unit
and still nothing. but when i get on the gas it goes up
so i have no clue what it could be. any advise?
TECH Regular
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Kempner, TX
What numbers are you seeing on cold start-up?
What you're experiencing seems temperature related. Your pressure's okay on cold start only to drop as oil temps rise. As a temporary fix to prevent any (further) bearing damage, move to a heavier oil. Depending on what you're running now, something like Valvoline VR1 20W50 (maybe even 10W40 or 15W50) and a new, different brand filter. That should raise your hot idle pressure enough to keep the light off.
The most common causes I've come across is a failing oil pump or bearing wear resulting in excessive clearances; most likely the mains.
Before attacking either of those, I'd first install a mechanical oil pressure gauge to verify the pressure readings you're seeing. If the numbers are about the same as what you're dash guage is showing, I'd them change the pump. Changing the pump is the easiest and least costly move to make.
If a new pump doesn't cure the problem, you're looking at a re-build.
Hope this helps.
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
What you're experiencing seems temperature related. Your pressure's okay on cold start only to drop as oil temps rise. As a temporary fix to prevent any (further) bearing damage, move to a heavier oil. Depending on what you're running now, something like Valvoline VR1 20W50 (maybe even 10W40 or 15W50) and a new, different brand filter. That should raise your hot idle pressure enough to keep the light off.
The most common causes I've come across is a failing oil pump or bearing wear resulting in excessive clearances; most likely the mains.
Before attacking either of those, I'd first install a mechanical oil pressure gauge to verify the pressure readings you're seeing. If the numbers are about the same as what you're dash guage is showing, I'd them change the pump. Changing the pump is the easiest and least costly move to make.
If a new pump doesn't cure the problem, you're looking at a re-build.
Hope this helps.
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
