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Oil pressure low at idle

Old 12-16-2014, 03:31 PM
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VCF
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A few months ago I replaced my sending unit when the old one failed and for the past few months once the engine is warm my oil pressure is only hovering near 0. At 3k it's around 40psi. I replaced the oil filter with a Mobil 1 and pennzoil platinum 10w30 to rule out a faulty filter. No change. Mods are Kinetix hfc, Borla exhaust and a catch can on an '04. I'm hoping its a defective sending unit and not rings but not sure. A friend assumed bearing tolerances could be the culprit. Any other potential things I should look for?

Engine has 100,800 miles and is not smoking or performing oddly. In fact, its running better than ever.

Last edited by SR71; 12-16-2014 at 05:09 PM. Reason: merged
Old 12-16-2014, 06:55 PM
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Is it burning oil?
Old 12-17-2014, 04:29 AM
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VCF
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Originally Posted by Conway_160
Is it burning oil?
Doesn't seem to be. My oil level is just fine. I can't remember ever seeing the oil light come on either. No leaks anywhere.
Old 12-17-2014, 10:42 AM
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Try buying a used or new oil sending unit and see if it changes. Your gauge seems to be working but maybe your sensor has some crap in in the way, preventing it from picking up a correct reading.You can try removing the sensor and cleaning it.

Last edited by qew; 12-17-2014 at 10:43 AM.
Old 12-17-2014, 02:09 PM
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VCF
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Originally Posted by qew
Try buying a used or new oil sending unit and see if it changes. Your gauge seems to be working but maybe your sensor has some crap in in the way, preventing it from picking up a correct reading.You can try removing the sensor and cleaning it.
That's my plan. Gonna see if that's the issue first. Just picked up a mechanical gauge to tap in and check the pressure before the swap.
Old 12-27-2014, 08:16 PM
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Default Low oil pressure at idle?

yes, oil pressure at idle is lower than at speed, and the reason it only goes to a certain point is it has a pressure relief valve it will only go to a certain amount and then stop. Is there water in the oil?maybe if due to water pump failure, the engine got a little hot and broke down the oil viscosity, and therefore your reading became lower than normal. If you have not changed the oil, do so and see if that helps.if you did, he might have used the wrong grade?pull your dipstick and see if it looks like milk, or also check under the oil fill cap for the same.water in the oil will change the pressure reading and do damage to engine bearings
good luck

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