Finally got and installed an oil pressure gauge. The gauge is reading the same as the stock gauge.

At cold start I see 60psi, then 30 until the car warms up.

When fully warm the oil pressure reads

Idle 4-5 psi
2000rpm 25 psi
3000rpm 45 psi

Going for a drive I saw about 40-45psi max while cruising at about 3000rpm. At 4000rpm I see 50psi.


Also when I removed the oil cap this time this is what I saw.

appears to be foamed up oil.

Just hoping that it's not the worst, but looking for some input.

If not an engine on the way out, perhaps a front cover 0 ring letting oil get past or perhaps the oil pump needs replaced.

When I had the turbo off recently there was no sign of oil leak through the turbo, oil is not getting burnt off excessively, i replaced the oil cooler because of a very small leak, but other than that no leaks that I can find, and I did the thermal pellet shim mod.

Any suggestions?

 

most of your readings are okay, but to get down to 5psi on idle something is wrong, or your oil is waaaaay tooo hot.
ide change your oil asap. and look for around 1bar with hot oil at idle

 

Well, I just changed my oil when i pulled the turbo off and did the thermal pellet shim modification. Running 10w-40, which I have been running in my other 7 with no oil pressure problems for years. But increasing the viscosity isn't going to remedy the problem.

Was reading FAQ's at mazdatrix and symptoms are almost identical to a blow out of the front housing o-ring.

http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/oring.htm

I think I will tackle that next, but looking for input on other possible problems so I can check them/fix them all at the same time.

All input is appreciated.