2.4 Oil Pressure

[GotaT]

I have a 2.4 in a Targa and wonder about the Oil Pressure once the car is Completely warmed up 185+ . I am unfortunately running 10w30 in it and feel that has something to do w/ it.. but want others wise opinions.

At Idle at full operating temp it shows 0psi.
If Im cruising about 70 (3600rpm) it shows about 20psi..

Seems Low to me..

Ideas?

[Jim Sims]

In your climate you should be running 20W50. Zero or near zero at idle when at operating temp is normal; pressure should increase 10 to 15 psi per 1000 rpm so at 3600and at operating temp (160F and higher) I would expect around 35 to 40 psi. Try changing your oil to a heavier mix.

[EarlyPorsche]

I had the same problem in a 2.4T I once owned. At idle it sat at 0 but when you revved it up it only gave up a few PSI like yours. I would say the 10W-30 has a bunch to do with it. Either add an oil thickener like Lucas if your oil is still good or if its time to change it just run some 15W-40 Shell Rotella T or better yet some 20W-50 and that should fix it. Unless your main bearings, cam bearings, and rod bearings are really done for there is no reason you should be getting such low oil pressure. Remember that you normally want 10psi for every 1000 RPM.

[svandamme]

has it ever been rebuilt?
was the oil bypass modification done to the case??

if so, make sure it has the right pressure relief pistons

[ael911]

How about trying the cam line restrictor that our host sells for $17 bucks. It should bring your idle pressure up to 20 and 60 or so when you are cruising 3500 rpms.

[barney911rs]

I concur with all the previous posts, but in addition to that, If you still own this car next time the engine comes apart, you should definitely look into upgrading to a newer style oil pump. For a street car, a 3.2 Carerra pump should be plenty. The early pumps were less efficient.

[GotaT]

tell me more about this Oil bypass.. Where does it install and what is its main function.. how long does it take to install?.

I only rebuilt the top end for those of you wondering what all was done.

Thanks..
PS.. Im thinking of running Mobil 1 full synthetic 15 40 or 20 50

[ael911]

Oil bypass mod is done when the case is split during a rebuild. It is not a do it yourself in a couple of hours job. I recommend running a heavier weight oil as mentioned above. If your bearings are shot, the car would have noticeable performance problems. Also check your oil pressure sender, it could be giving you a faulty reading.

[HarryD]

My 2.4L runs 20W50 and has about 10 psi/1000 rpm. Go to a heavier oil. Also, if you are running Carrera tensioners, your oil pressure can be tad bit lower also.

I, for one, would not recommend putting in restrictors without also upgrading the oil pump. Do a search if you are thinking about this mod and decide for yourself how you should go.

[GotaT]

Originally posted by ael911
Oil bypass mod is done when the case is split during a rebuild. It is not a do it yourself in a couple of hours job. I recommend running a heavier weight oil as mentioned above. If your bearings are shot, the car would have noticeable performance problems. Also check your oil pressure sender, it could be giving you a faulty reading.

Is the oil pressure Sender on the top of the motor nearest the firewall? if so , how do you check it?

[svandamme]

long arm and small hand

[EarlyPorsche]

Dont go synthetic, just use regular old oil in your 2.4 for now. See how the oil pressure works out.

[GotaT]

I mean, how do you check to see if it is working correctly? .. Why would I not want to use Synthetic>? Never heard of that...

[Eagledriver]

Probably a good idea to replace the sender. If it turns out the old one was correct you'll at least have a spare. The sender is at the front of the engine next to the breather cover.

If your oil pressure is still lower than 10 PSI per 1000RPM then I'd install the cam oil line restrictors. The heavier oil will help and there is no problem with synthetic.

-Andy

[Jim Sims]

"The sender is at the front of the engine next to the breather cover."

Depends on the year and model of 2.4; some of the 2.4 oil pressure senders were mounted at the rear of the engine in a fitting in the passenger side cam tower oil line.

[EarlyPorsche]

Right now you are trying to solve an oil pressure problem. Not a lack of oil longevity or viscosity holding properties problem. However I have seen and had synthetics cause some leaks that were otherwise not there. So I say don't get ahead of yourself. Walk before you run by boosting oil pressure and if that works then next oil change switch it out to synthetic if you are feeling frisky.

[moneymanager]

First thing I'd do would be to get a new sender and install. My oil pressure went up about 25% when I did this...indicating of course that the original sender was bad. This is an easy and inexpensive first step, and it may tell you there's no problem at all.