1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

12A Low oil pressure and bubbles in the oil dipstick

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Old Apr 30, 2021 | 02:39 AM
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Ketsis's Avatar
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From: Mesolonghi ,Greece
12A Low oil pressure and bubbles in the oil dipstick

My 12A has 0-5 psi at idle but when i rev it it goes from 40-50 psi depending on revs i changed the oil and filter i use 20-50 oil and i measured the pressure with an oil pressure meter i don't know what to do i am guessing the feed line got crap or it's loose hoping is not the oil pump if you have any suggestions please feel free to tell me!
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Old Apr 30, 2021 | 10:18 AM
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Is this recent, like after the oil change? If so , maybe a bad filter. I had this happen to me once.

The oil pumps are usually bulletproof.
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Old Apr 30, 2021 | 07:56 PM
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First off, why are you running 20w50? That oil viscosity is too thick at all temp ranges unless you live in the Sahara desert. Mazda spec is 10w30 or w40 and has been since the 70s for these engines.

Deviating from that makes you the test pilot for how well your older pump seals, oil lines, pressure regulator and oil cooling system will behave. Put the right oil in it, put a new QUALITY filter on it, and I'll bet your pressures go back to normal.

Proper oil pressure is critical in a rotary engine, because there are only 3 major moving parts, and they all slide on a thin film of the stuff.
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Old Apr 30, 2021 | 08:08 PM
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20w50 is fine per Mazda:

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Old Apr 30, 2021 | 09:00 PM
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I stand corrected. Living in the Sonoran Desert where it actually hits 118-120F for weeks on end, I've never felt the need to go with heavier oil. Thanks for posting that,
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Old May 1, 2021 | 01:27 AM
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Originally Posted by LongDuck
First off, why are you running 20w50? That oil viscosity is too thick at all temp ranges unless you live in the Sahara desert. Mazda spec is 10w30 or w40 and has been since the 70s for these engines.

Deviating from that makes you the test pilot for how well your older pump seals, oil lines, pressure regulator and oil cooling system will behave. Put the right oil in it, put a new QUALITY filter on it, and I'll bet your pressures go back to normal.

Proper oil pressure is critical in a rotary engine, because there are only 3 major moving parts, and they all slide on a thin film of the stuff.
I run 20-50... i live I California, my hood says to run 20-w 50 between 60 deg and 120 deg
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Old May 5, 2021 | 10:45 PM
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From: Mesolonghi ,Greece
Problem solved

Originally Posted by Ckforker
Is this recent, like after the oil change? If so , maybe a bad filter. I had this happen to me once.

The oil pumps are usually bulletproof.
It was the o ring from the front oil pressure regulator when i pulled the front cover i saw a half ring not an o ring XD
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