Basic questions here

daveimme · daveimme's Garage

I'd like to know what the oil pressure should be when the car has warmed up and at idle......for a while the oil pressure was always pegged whenever I cranked it up....lately it is pegged only under acceleration or above 1500 rpm......at idle (900-1k rpm) it will sometimes be 3 (3 bar?). I'm using castrol syntec blend 10w 40, if that matters.

Also, has anyone put on a gauge for the alternator on their car? If so, where did you place and what model gauge used? VDO? I would like to mount one, but I can't figure out where to put it.

Bob's944 · Bob's944's Garage

Sounds normal to me.

gearhead290 · 12-19-2002, 07:58 PM

My oil pressure does the exact same thing. From what I know your fine untill it reads 0, then you have problems. As far as the alternator goes, I haven't had any problems with mine yet (I'm knocking on wood, A LOT) so I'm of no help there.

AFJuvat · 12-20-2002, 03:08 AM

Dave - you sound about right with the oil pressure - on a hot day here it can drop to 1.5 bar.

never played with adding an alternator gauge - the one in the car is acoutally pretty accurate - it yours is acting flaky remove the cluster and clean the grounds - should snap right back

AFJuvat

divezic · divezic's Garage

When the engine is hot, I've noticed my pressure drops to a little above 1 1/2 bar. Normally it's 2-3. If your pressure goes below 1 bar then the oil pressure low light comes on.

fletch944t · 12-21-2002, 06:29 AM

When you first turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position (where all the accessories and lights come on), the oil pressure should peg high.

Then when you start the engine the oil pressure should come down to about 4-4.5 bar at idle.

As the engine oil warms up and the oil thins out the pressure will steadily drop until it get to about 2-3 bar at idle (normal operating temperature).

If it is consistently running high, expecially after the engine is completely warmed up, there may be a problem with the oil pressure sending unit. However, it could be a loose or corroded connection at the sensor. Try cleaning the connections first and see if that helps.

If the oil pressure runs well below two bar at normal operating temperature, it may be indicative of worn bearings, a problem with the oil pressure relief valve, or a problem with the oil pump. If pressure falls below 1 bar, you shouldn't run the engine until you determine the cause of the low oil pressure.

Sorry about the length of the post.

Regards,
Clark

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

perfectly normal. Mine never drops below three, but it takes a good 10 mins to get there from 5. Only worry if it drops below 1 or so.

speedracin944 · 12-21-2002, 08:28 AM

I ran Mobil 1 20W50 (advised by a mechanic) and my oil pressure was 3.5 - 4.0 bar at idle and pegged while driving. I was getting some leakage at the valve cover and the oil would drip on my exhaust manifold. Talk about embarassing. I switched to 10W40 Mobil 1 and now my pressure is 2.0 at idle and 4.5 while driving and the leak stopped.

daveimme · daveimme's Garage

Thanks guys....I feel better now. It appears to be working just fine....unit may have been sticking or something from sitting up for some time and finally came around. When first started...pegged, warmed up and then at idle is about 2-3...on the gas over 1500 rpm 4.5-5.....so, I'm content with this now.

The alternator......I don't have a problem with mine, but it is an idiot light....I want one that has a gauge so I can see if and when it is failing... I feel much better when I can read how much voltage it is putting out. That's why I was thinking of putting one in and wonder if anyone has and if so, where is placement...

carolinus · 12-21-2002, 03:24 PM

I believe VDO makes a voltage gauge. I would put it in the hole for the habitually broken VDO clock.

daveimme · daveimme's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by carolinus
I believe VDO makes a voltage gauge. I would put it in the hole for the habitually broken VDO clock.

Not a bad idea...but mine works

When I first got the car about 3-4 months ago, my little kids were wondering what that 'gauge' was

They figured it out, but they had never seen an analog clock in a car before, and having one that works is cool.......But, if it were broken, that would be the perfect spot for it....