Another update w/ pics - Horrible oil pressure
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Another update w/ pics - Horrible oil pressure
Ever since I've owned my 94 SSEi, the pressure has been at a consistent 40 psi at startup and while driving, but it'* never gone past that. At idle, it would usually drop to almost half that while in drive, but idling in N would set it all back to 40 psi. However, as of yesterday, I saw my oil pressure could rarely hit 40. I was driving around at 39-ish, and if I let the car coast, it would start dropping to about 35. At idle, it would get to about 12 I think. It was right above the hash that marked the red area. Instead of idling in D, I put the car in N and went to 2K rpm to push the oil pressure up to about 30 psi.
This actually happened immediately. It was 40 psi one day, and then it dropped insanely. Do you think it'* the filter? I'd like to do an oil change, and I've already bought 5qts of Mobil 1 and a Purolator 24011. The problem is that I only have put 1000 miles on the previous oil change with Mobil 1 and an AC Delco PF52. I bought the Duraguard type, so it shouldn't have that e-core plastic stuff inside. When I do the oil change, I'll cut up the filter and have a look. What do you think of this? Have you seen it happen before so suddenly?
This actually happened immediately. It was 40 psi one day, and then it dropped insanely. Do you think it'* the filter? I'd like to do an oil change, and I've already bought 5qts of Mobil 1 and a Purolator 24011. The problem is that I only have put 1000 miles on the previous oil change with Mobil 1 and an AC Delco PF52. I bought the Duraguard type, so it shouldn't have that e-core plastic stuff inside. When I do the oil change, I'll cut up the filter and have a look. What do you think of this? Have you seen it happen before so suddenly?
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There have been one or two senders that broke to the low side, the normal failure it to the high side. Then factor in possible gauge inaccuracy.
The only way to honestly know what is happening is to put a manual oil pressure gauge on the motor.
There is actually one other way..it includes sparkles in the oil though.
The only way to honestly know what is happening is to put a manual oil pressure gauge on the motor.
There is actually one other way..it includes sparkles in the oil though.
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I agree that a manual gage should be put on there to get true readings..
But I will say there is a good possibility that the Bottom end is finished/worn
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But I will say there is a good possibility that the Bottom end is finished/worn
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On these 3800'* you do not want to be dipping low like 15 Psi, especially when you should see 60Psi at 1850 Rpms...
I'd say if you are getting that low thats a problem.. 40 Psi at roadspeed is not really a great thing either, But the engine is being lubricated and shouldn't be damaged... But the drop in pressure can tell us about bearing wear...
Also if you think you really have low pressure, you should get the mechanical gage on there to know what the pressure is for sure.. If that shows low pressure than you need to start thinking of a rebuild or another engine
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I'd say if you are getting that low thats a problem.. 40 Psi at roadspeed is not really a great thing either, But the engine is being lubricated and shouldn't be damaged... But the drop in pressure can tell us about bearing wear...
Also if you think you really have low pressure, you should get the mechanical gage on there to know what the pressure is for sure.. If that shows low pressure than you need to start thinking of a rebuild or another engine
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I'm going to change the oil right now and see what it looks like. Also, I may have to drive it like this. Thankfully, there are a lot of bottom ends all over the place, and I have an engine crane. Should be lots of fun.
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Here'* the oil I poured from the filter:
It looks black, and the light areas are the thinnest layers in the bucket (97 cent Sterilite).
More oil:
When the camera'* flash hits the oil, it looks milky. However, before and after the flash, it looks black. This has barely 1000 miles on it.
I let the oil flow from one side to another, and in the middle of it all, I took this picture:
Another view:
Nearly full bin from the oil pan:
Here I am!
This is the most realistic color of the oil that my camera has captured. It'* pretty much exactly how the oil looks right now.
Also, I have the 1600x1200 originals if you need to look more in-depth. How is it looking?
It looks black, and the light areas are the thinnest layers in the bucket (97 cent Sterilite).
More oil:
When the camera'* flash hits the oil, it looks milky. However, before and after the flash, it looks black. This has barely 1000 miles on it.
I let the oil flow from one side to another, and in the middle of it all, I took this picture:
Another view:
Nearly full bin from the oil pan:
Here I am!
This is the most realistic color of the oil that my camera has captured. It'* pretty much exactly how the oil looks right now.
Also, I have the 1600x1200 originals if you need to look more in-depth. How is it looking?