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

Weird Oil pressure issue

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Old 09-17-09, 09:55 AM
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Weird Oil pressure issue

Have a weird oil pressure issue. I was driving back home from San Antonio, and I noticed my oil pressure at 3k RPM was sitting WELL below 60. At idle, it was almost at the 0 mark. I am running 20w50 and it is nice and full.

The car is running nicely. I have also noticed that the dial when the engine is off is WAY over from the 0 mark. Even with electrical power going to the gauges. It sits near the far side of the 0 mark.

The car being warm or cold doesn't seem to change anything. No oil warning lights or anything.

Tonight I am going to clean the connections on the oil pressure sensor and most likely also change out the oil filter for grins. I am only 1.5k in since the last oil change.

Any ideas?
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Old 09-17-09, 10:16 AM
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Looks electrical based on the description; cleaning connections (and grounds) is a good first step.

Is your temperature gauge behaving itself? How's your overall voltage?
Old 09-18-09, 08:13 PM
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i allmost seem to have the same problem,my oil guage did the same thing but now my guage is not working at all
Old 09-18-09, 08:49 PM
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I highly recommend getting a mechanical oil pressure gauge for just this reason.
Old 10-04-09, 04:27 PM
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Well, I switched out the oil pressure sender with one off a 86 n/a. I am getting the same oil pressure readings. It goes up and down, but its low all the time. idle is still around 0 or just above, and never goes up much beyond 15psi. One day though, the gauge spiked all the way to the other side though. I was about to kill the engine when it dropped to where it has been sitting. NO clue there. Car has been running fine other then this.

Could it be the pressure regulator in the front cover? I REALLY hope not as that seems like it would be a PITA to get into. Any thoughts would be MUCH apreciated.
Old 10-04-09, 04:37 PM
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as mentioned, get a mechanical gauge so u know whether it's a gauge issue or a pressure issue. stock gauge not accurate enough to live by. and the pressure regulator is on the rear housing, accessible by dropping the oil pan.
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