1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

'93 Oil pressure suddenly low

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-23-2006, 12:52 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Thread Starter
 
Snowflake's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NJ - USA
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Snowflake is on a distinguished road
Default '93 Oil pressure suddenly low

I probably don't want the answer to this, but I'll ask anyway. My car was running fine the other day, today I go and start it, and the oil pressure drops to almost nothing. Light goes off etc. I drive around the block, and as i step on it, the gauge goes up, but even if kept at the same rpm, it drops while i watch it, back down to 'the red area'. I've read of oil pressure sensors failing, but I'm guessing in my case its probably the bearings, or the pump itself. I check the oil level, its fine, and there are no visable leaks. Also the oil isn't milky or discolored in any way. I am do for an oil change but I don't think its normal for oil pressure to be like this even if a change is due. Any help is appreciated.
Old 02-23-2006, 12:54 PM
  #2  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

Could be the needed oil change. Depends on how far over 3,000 miles you are. If there'* no knocking and no other problems. Do the oil change and hope for the best.

Usually when a pressure sender fails it defaults high or erratic.
Old 02-23-2006, 12:56 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
 
MOS95B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Robbinsdale, MN
Posts: 15,408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MOS95B is on a distinguished road
Default

Oil can get thin as it gets old. It shouldn't be an overnight thing, tho.

I would definitely start with a good oil/filter change (about 20 bucks) before diving into or assuming more expensive ideas.....
Old 02-23-2006, 01:24 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
 
1993 SLE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 19,756
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1993 SLE is on a distinguished road
Default

i would not drive the car, and to be sure what your OP actually is get a mechanical gague on there to verify
Old 02-23-2006, 01:26 PM
  #5  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

Originally Posted by 1993 SLE
i would not drive the car, and to be sure what your OP actually is get a mechanical gague on there to verify
Most likely the gauge is reasonably correct. An oil and filter change is in order before driving the car. Hopefully that'* the issue. If the bearing are going or gone, oil pressure will not return and it'* only a matter of time before the knocking sound starts.
Old 02-23-2006, 02:31 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Thread Starter
 
Snowflake's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NJ - USA
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Snowflake is on a distinguished road
Default

Thanks for the help guys, I started it again, pressure starts at around 35, the drops sharply after a minute or two, one drop to like 30.. then again... then it inches down... after like 5 minutes or so, its in the red. I will try changing the oil, hopefully that'll give me enough pressure to get it where i can have it fixed.
Old 02-23-2006, 02:35 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
 
MOS95B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Robbinsdale, MN
Posts: 15,408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MOS95B is on a distinguished road
Default

It is full, right? I would assume you checked the oil level, especially once the engine is warm.

And what color is the oil? Nice chocolatey brown? Or tar pit (aka Change it already!! ) black??
Old 02-24-2006, 10:45 AM
  #8  
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
 
BarryBoy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BarryBoy is on a distinguished road
Default oil pressure

Had this same problem. Changed the Oil pressure sensor and alls well. May want to check your connector to the sensor as they get very dirty sometimes??
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
2k2cse
Chevrolet
14
05-16-2013 04:38 AM
AeroCoupeSS87
1992-1999
2
12-10-2007 08:52 PM
J Wikoff
1992-1999
71
06-08-2006 10:54 AM
Bob Dillon
1992-1999
9
05-11-2006 08:23 AM
02-SLE
2000-2005
27
12-20-2005 05:15 PM



Quick Reply: '93 Oil pressure suddenly low



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:16 AM.