Is This Normal

[Gerry van]

Just wondering only had my 89 3.2 for a couple of months, but when l fire it up the oil pressure comes straight up, but the oil tank level gauge? doesn't it can take quite a while if the cars been sitting. But if l drive it again within a couple of hours, the gauge registers the level much quicker. Thanks for any advice given
Gerry
Sorry about the poor quality photo, the water/dust/2yr proof phone/camera doesn't quite cut it

[Drisump]

Sorry but I'm not quite sure what you're asking, but the gauge on the dash (on cars where it's working properly) measures the oil level accurately only when the oil is up to running temperature, at idle, and on a level surface. If any of those conditions aren't met, pay no attention to what the gauge says. Oil, like most other things, expands when heated. It takes quite a while for 13 litres of oil to cool. Cheers

[SpeedracerIndy]

Oil pressure will peg when cold because the oil is cold and much more viscous. Once it is warmed up, it will thin out and the pressure should be around 1.5 times the RPM reading. There is a pressure relief valve in the engine that pops above a certain pressure to prevent damage.

The oil level gauge will not register accurately until the oil is warm. With ~14 quarts of oil in the system it will expand quite a bit once it's warmed up. That is the reason you should only check your oil in the tank when the engine is warm, running and on level ground.

Your description of the gauge functions is quite normal. If you search on these topics there is a wealth of information detailing how they work.

[Head416]

Originally Posted by SpeedracerIndy

Once it is warmed up, it will thin out and the pressure should be around 1.5 times the RPM reading.

So at 4k RPM your oil pressure guage is at 6?

Just asking, mine reads lower. Usually RPM - 1, ie 3 at 4k RPM.

[nesslar]

Interesting. I would think anyone's gauge should read well over 3 at 4K RPM... ? Gauge not corectly indicating true pressure? Just a thought.
Gerry van: I too believe your car sounds quite normal and OK. And looks good!

[Zeke]

Don't depend on the dash gauge for oil level. It will not register unless (a) you're at idle on level ground and (b) your oil is hot, 180F or so.

As the USA commercial says, "Think with your dipstick." (Measure oil level with car running, hot and on level ground.)

[SpeedracerIndy]

Originally Posted by Head416

So at 4k RPM your oil pressure guage is at 6?

Yes, my oil pressure gauge is the special "Spinal Tap" version that goes to 6.

By the time my RPMs get to 3.5 or so my pressure gauge is pegged at 5, which is when the pressure relief valve pops.

[86 911 Targa]

The General "rule of thumb" is one bar (14.7 psi)/1K RPM's with the engine at operating temperature (180F+),as Milt stated, and on level ground.

[Head416]

haha... sorry, I'm not near my car and couldn't remember if it topped out at 5 or 6.

edit: also, my car's been on jack stands since April so I haven't driven it in a while. My memory may be a little hazy.

[herr_oberst]

That's a damn nice looking car. Just the right stance. Stance is everything.

Your son/nephew must be loving this!

mo

[Gerry van]

Thanks guys, sounds like l have nothing to worry about, and yes all my 3 boys love it. Blokes have laughted at me for wanting to put a baby seat in the back"Porshes aren't meant to have kids in them" but why wouldn't you encourage your children to get the PO bug Everyone l have met with one has been a champ, comes with owing the car l think.

[SuperOldSchool]

Gerry, your car is gorgeous