Oil Pressure

shocker1322 · 07-07-2004, 05:49 AM

I noticed today on the way to class my oil pressure was low at idle. Sitting at construction the pressure was at 1. The pressure is good all the way through the revs, 2 at 1200, 3 at 2000, 3.5 at 3000, and 4 at 5000. Should I tap the gas every ten seconds or so to get oil to the lifters or is 1 good enough. I am running synthetic so I know the pressure will be a little lower, but this worries me a bit. Any advice would be great, thanks!

bryanthompson · bryanthompson's Garage

mine does the exact same thing, i'm running quaker state 10W30. On really really hot days (95+) when I come to a stop and take it out of gear to brake, the pressure bounces down to one and the light flashes for a second. Not sure if that's normal, scares the crap out of me though.

Moneyguy1 · 07-07-2004, 09:32 AM

Move up to a heavier oil during the summer. I use 15-50. 5 at idle cold, 2.something at idle hot, 5 at speed.

Of course, 95 out here would be "Cool today, ain't it?" kind of weather..

bull4u2me · 07-07-2004, 02:16 PM

Crap, I thought that was just with my car!

P944GUY · P944GUY's Garage

I use Castrol 20W50, it's only 110 here in Arizona

Don 944 LA · 07-08-2004, 08:18 PM

I didn't see you say that you had checked the oil level, that would be the first thing..
If you have sufficient oil, switch to 15W-50 Mobile 1. I can be 2.5 qts low and I will still show good pressure. With the thin stuff, 1/2 qt low would cause all sorts of odd readings..

Moneyguy1 · 07-08-2004, 08:47 PM

I confess... Phoenix is usually hotter than Tucson........5 to 7 degrees in the Summer, more of a variation in the winter

And bigger

And more crowded- reminds me more and more of LA

Fewer places to wind 'er up and let 'er go-the countryside is disappearing all the way to Cave Creek and beyond now.....

But with more sports and more good restaurants.

In spite of all that it beats the %@$# out of upstate New York!!

bryanthompson · bryanthompson's Garage

my avg consumption is 1/2qt every 300 miles, and I check it almost every day. is that about normal?

Don 944 LA · 07-08-2004, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bryanthompson
my avg consumption is 1/2qt every 300 miles, and I check it almost every day. is that about normal?

Thats what I go through with a serious leak.. I drive 350+ a day and throw in a qt of Mobile 15w50 every other day..
before I had the massive leake, it would be about a qt a month, however, I didn't really drive but 5 miles a day at that time.

shocker1322 · 07-09-2004, 07:05 AM

I use 10W30 Mobile 1. Like Bryan I check mine every day, that is completely normal. I also carry an extra quart around with me just in case. My level is always good. In PA it does not get that hot, I do not think we have had a day of 90 degrees yet. I might put in a heavier oil if this keeps up, this is the first time I have noticed it though.