Low oil pressure

DRASTiK · 04-09-2002, 12:40 PM

Here's the situation, over the past couple of weeks, my oil pressure has been reading lower and lower. Yesterday it got to the point that I'm grounding the car until I can get it fixed. I don't think the gauge is the problem (factory), but I'm going to replace it with an autometer. My car doesn't leak oil and has plenty of it. I already tried changing sending units, but got the same readings. The psi isn't fluctuating with rpm's much at all and it's sitting kinda low. I don't think it's an internal engine problem because the motor runs great, and I don't have any signs of it starving for oil other than the gauge reading. The motor itself has less than 10K miles on it. If the new gauge reads low also, should I go straight to the oil pump and replace it? Can they show signs of failure, or do they just die? Whatcha think?
Dave

RED92LX50 · 04-09-2002, 01:55 PM

I think you should use a mechanical oil pressure gauge and see what the numbers really are. Most people find the stock gauges to be of little use in diagnosing problems.

DRASTiK · 04-09-2002, 03:19 PM

as I stated in the first post, I'm going to replace it with an autometer gauge. My question was if the gauge doesn't turn out to be the problem, what should I do.

RED92LX50 · 04-09-2002, 03:59 PM

I read your first post - and I understand that you only have 10K on the new motor. I was trying to help out in a roundabout way... I'm no oil pressure expert, I was hoping to get you to post your actual numbers so somebody who DOES know the causes/cures for low oil pressure would read your post more carefully. Sometimes the EXPERTS won't respond to posts without details that will help them diagnose the problem.

Also, if you use the search feature, there are MANY posts about oil pressure levels (what is normal for specific combos - and possible cures).

I recall seeing the rule of thumb as 10psi per 1000rpm.

It would help to know your psi readings at WOT and Idle - both cold and warm engine.

DRASTiK · 04-09-2002, 04:54 PM

I see where you're coming from and I understand. As soon as I get the gauge (should be here in a day or two), I'll have numbers to post. IF the stock gauge is working correctly, then the psi level is just below the "L" in
N, which isn't far from the "0".
O
R
M
A
L

04-09-2002, 12:40 PM	#1
DRASTiK Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Yuma, AZ Posts: 536	Low oil pressure Here's the situation, over the past couple of weeks, my oil pressure has been reading lower and lower. Yesterday it got to the point that I'm grounding the car until I can get it fixed. I don't think the gauge is the problem (factory), but I'm going to replace it with an autometer. My car doesn't leak oil and has plenty of it. I already tried changing sending units, but got the same readings. The psi isn't fluctuating with rpm's much at all and it's sitting kinda low. I don't think it's an internal engine problem because the motor runs great, and I don't have any signs of it starving for oil other than the gauge reading. The motor itself has less than 10K miles on it. If the new gauge reads low also, should I go straight to the oil pump and replace it? Can they show signs of failure, or do they just die? Whatcha think? Dave __________________ Dave 88 GT - 13.4@106 on street tires (2.2 60ft) My Stang RHC member #75 My stang is FOR SALE!!

04-09-2002, 01:55 PM	#2
RED92LX50 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 220	I think you should use a mechanical oil pressure gauge and see what the numbers really are. Most people find the stock gauges to be of little use in diagnosing problems. __________________ 1992 LX 5.0 Convertible Red/Blk Gears, Exhaust, bolt-ons... R.H.C. #51

04-09-2002, 03:19 PM	#3
DRASTiK Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Yuma, AZ Posts: 536	as I stated in the first post, I'm going to replace it with an autometer gauge. My question was if the gauge doesn't turn out to be the problem, what should I do. __________________ Dave 88 GT - 13.4@106 on street tires (2.2 60ft) My Stang RHC member #75 My stang is FOR SALE!!

04-09-2002, 03:59 PM	#4
RED92LX50 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 220	I read your first post - and I understand that you only have 10K on the new motor. I was trying to help out in a roundabout way... I'm no oil pressure expert, I was hoping to get you to post your actual numbers so somebody who DOES know the causes/cures for low oil pressure would read your post more carefully. Sometimes the EXPERTS won't respond to posts without details that will help them diagnose the problem. Also, if you use the search feature, there are MANY posts about oil pressure levels (what is normal for specific combos - and possible cures). I recall seeing the rule of thumb as 10psi per 1000rpm. It would help to know your psi readings at WOT and Idle - both cold and warm engine. __________________ 1992 LX 5.0 Convertible Red/Blk Gears, Exhaust, bolt-ons... R.H.C. #51

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04-09-2002, 04:54 PM	#5
DRASTiK Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Yuma, AZ Posts: 536	I see where you're coming from and I understand. As soon as I get the gauge (should be here in a day or two), I'll have numbers to post. IF the stock gauge is working correctly, then the psi level is just below the "L" in N, which isn't far from the "0". O R M A L