Supermann

I need some help with a problem. My oil pressure is really low, and I was wondering what it is supposed to be running at when everything is working right. Mine is running just above the red zone on the guage, and does this mean I am gonna need to get my piston rings replaced? I was kinda hoping that I wouldn't need to rip apart the block as it is my daily driver, and I don't have a lot of extra cash to get it done by someone else. Is there any other possibilities for the problem? and is it ok for me to be running my car like this? thanks for any advice.

MDv6man

Well, let's see, how many miles are on your engine?

Low oil pressure is not good. But, if the engine is not knocking, it's still driveable. Does the oil pressuure rise when you are driving and drop when you are sitting at a light? If so it will probably be okay.

Depending on the mileage, low oil pressure readings are normal as parts wear and bearing clearances get further out of spec. As a precaution, I'd change the oil sending unit (to be sure you have an accurate reading).

FYI... My 83 Camaro mechanical gauge says I have about 5-7psi at idle (once everything is warmed up). When cruising the gauge registers about 20 psi.

Supermann

Well, there is 122k on the engine now. Its not knocking, and the oil pressure does go up when the engine is at higher rpm, and it starts out at a higher level when cold then goes to a lower level (really low )after it warms up. I think I will try and replace the sensor.

molopaa

iTrader: (1)

You could always try to use a slightly heavier oil. I have been using 20W50 and my oil pressure is always between 40-65 psi. Might rob some of the engines power though..........

Supermann

But isn't there certain temperature ranges that you can only use a certain type of oil weight? I had just bought some synthetic 10w-30 to change the oil with, and right now it is running synthetic 10w-40.

molopaa

iTrader: (1)

Check your service manual. It has a chart of the temperature ranges of different oils.

Aaron R.

The oil pressure on my completely rebuilt 2.8 sits only a little above the red zone at idle, but rockets up to 80 at driving speed (with a cold engine). Manual I have says minimum pressure is 15 psi @ 2000rpm. A warm engine is decent condition should probably be around 40 @ 2000, depending on oil type and condition. Use 10W-40 or 10W-30 for driving above 0*F. 20W-50 has a very high pour point, so it should not be used any lower than about 32*F.

KED85

I just got my gauges to work on the vehicle I slipped in a 3.4 (50,000 mile used engine).
I read 80 PSI upon start up & it goes down to 40-ish when engine is warmed up.
IF ME
I'd use cheap ol MANNY MOE & JACK PEP BOYS OIL.
Use 10-40 and see results.
IF that reading is "still low" change again, use 3 quarts of 10-40 & one of 20-50!
Thicker oil will increase the oil pressure for ya.
Will this harm engine.
NAH!
Cost ya HP or milage?
Ya said ya seek not to "rebuild/it's daily driver".
This receipe is a cheap band aid for what truly ails your engine.
It's aged.
These things happen to aged engines (lower pressure due to more bearing clearences).
Accept it or try the oil trick (synthetics do not help your aged engine, helps mostly newer modern rides) or bite the bullet & do real engine work.
More than likely you'll find the cheap brand oil mix weight trick to be perfect solution.
AND for many many miles, too.

Wave hi to the Delaware Staties for me. Used to do that as I went between Philly & DC on I-95.

PS IF ya oil pressure still stays LOW you may have lost the pick up pump from oil pump (it may have fallen off). HOPEFULLY THAT did not happen to ya.