Oil pressure problem

[massive]

Have recently noticed the oil pressure on my 1984 944 doesn't seem to be staying as high as it used to. Car has 147,000 miles on it.

When starting the car from cold the needle goes to between 4-5, which I believe is normal

Once the engine warms up and I'm driving the needle mainly stays at 3 but goes no higher between the rev ranges of 1000 to 4000 rpm.

At idle in light traffic it's flicking between 0.5 and 1

At idle in heavy traffic it's nearly dropping to 0 from 0.5

I've had the belly pan off this evening and gave the underside of the engine a scrub down to clear dirt/oil/grease to see if I can see if there's a leak.

I've also done a bit of reading on Clark's garage, regarding rod bearings.

Has anyone recently worked through this job, be good to hear of the process of elimination.

I also replaced the OPRV back in 2010 for a new OEM one and the oil cooler was also removed and resealed with a new gasket at the same time.

[John_AZ]

Hi massive,

Begin with the basics:
OEM or Mahle oil filter--Has the approved check valve.
Check the wires going to the oil pressure sender for cracks in the insulation. clean the wire connections.
Use an OEM oil pressure sender---never a URO
Remove & Clean the oil pressure relief valve and replace all seals and "O" rings.

Advanced- The oil pump may have a bad seal

OR time for new bearings.

Rod Bearing replacement and preparation PART 1

This solved my problem.

GL
John

[Alexb944]

tbh I have a URO sender, I've had it on for over a year without a problem.. but I digress.
deff check the connectors mine was bouncing around 1-0.5 and checked the sender wires and one was very loose.. hope you find a fix.

[campbelljj]

Buy an original VDO pressure sender and replace. If engine isn't making terrible noise your sender has failed as they do regularly. Mine did, I replaced and have oil pressure again.

[Bradical]

Originally Posted by campbelljj

Buy an original VDO pressure sender and replace. If engine isn't making terrible noise your sender has failed as they do regularly. Mine did, I replaced and have oil pressure again.

Second this. I bought a sender that showed super low oil pressure right out of the box.

[massive]

Checked my oil filter brand and it's made by MANN

I've also spotted a trickle of oil coming from the camshaft housing on the bottom corner near the distributor cap, I assume it's either the housing gasket or maybe the oil seal on the bearing behind the dizzy cap? Would this also likely be the cause of lower oil pressure?

Still need to get back under the car and check the other stuff mentioned above.

[campbelljj]

No that won't cause low oil pressure condition

[Bradical]

Originally Posted by massive

Checked my oil filter brand and it's made by MANN

I've also spotted a trickle of oil coming from the camshaft housing on the bottom corner near the distributor cap, I assume it's either the housing gasket or maybe the oil seal on the bearing behind the dizzy cap? Would this also likely be the cause of lower oil pressure?

Still need to get back under the car and check the other stuff mentioned above.

I think every 944/924S has that leak.

[944CS]

You can check actual pressure with a mechanical gauge, if you want I can make you an adapter for a Harbor Freight or any kit that uses a 1/8 NPT male fitting

[AutoTechInc]

^^^Agree, If you have not checked the pressure, why throw parts at it?