Alright, my problem is that my oil pressure is shooting up too high! As soon as I start to pass 2,000 rpm. My oil psi reads a 120+. Anyone have any ideas to what the problem might be?

 

what kinda oil you use? does it only do it during first 15 minutes or so of driving?

 

Everyone run and scream and pretend the sky is falling because Mr. NismoRockstar does not know where the search button is located. It cannot possibly be his oil pressure sensor failed, which is a fairly common problem and costs 40 or so dollars to fix during the next oil change. How does one ever get along in a regular car that lacks a pressure gauge?

 

please read your owner's manual.

 

More than likely not your oil. That can be apart of the problem because higher viscosity oils will cause the pressures to rise but not to 120 at 2,000. I would run a test to see if the sending unit is functioning properly. Turn the key into the on position (without starting the car) and see if the pressure gauge shows a reading higher than zero... if there is pressure without the car running the sending unit is broken. If it shows zero check the gauges by using the service manual's diagnostic test.

 

Yeah when I turn the key to the ON position it doesn't read 0, it reads 70 .
Is replacing the sending unit a minor fix or major?

 

Rather easy, very close to the oil filter. Just unplug - remove the sensor with the appropriate size wrench - install new sensor - torque back down and re-connect. I think the part is about $70-80.

 

Can the car still be driven?

And thanks for the help man.

 

Yeah, but the gauge cluster could get damaged. The longer you go, it tends to start higher and higher. So a base reading of 70 will add to the true reading at whatever rpm, e.g. 3,000 should be around 45 so that's where your 115 psi is comming from. But if the sending unit gets worse and starts to read 90 as a base starting point and then you add 45 you're pegging the needle. It shouldn't hurt anything but I wouldn't suggest it. I drove on mine like that for about 4-6 days, and it was ok.

 

Thanks man you were really helpful.

 

Okay I just got my sending unit it in today as I was installing it the screw goes in 3/4 of the way in and there is about 1/4 left and screw won't screw in w/o excessive force being applied. Is this normal?

 

That's about where mine stopped as well. I used the method of tightening where it binds and then I crank about a quarter turn. Thats generally safe and sealed. But I think your fine, just watch for leaks and DON'T OVERTIGHTEN IT, it would be a pain in the butt to re-tap it.

 

I drove mines acouple weeks with it peg out. works fine. Do not over tighten as mentioned. The metal there is very brittle.

 

While we're on this same topic: After driving for 30 min or so, at a stop my pressure drops slightly BELOW 30. I am running with synthetic Pennzoil. While I'm driving the gauge appears to be reacting to open throttle OK (60-120 depending on RPM), but didn't know if it drops below 30 at idle if it's something to worry about....

 

A warmed up z, at idle should be around 30psi. Depending oil, and how hot the oil (how hard you run your car).

Mine is usually 30psi at idle and 60 psi at 65mph on the highway. When the car is warmed up. After one or two hard run, my oil psi at idle might be as low as 15-20..

 

Yeah, with heavier oils expect between 15-30 at idle, with more conventional oils like 10-30 or 5-30 expect around 15psi for idle.

 

That's what I needed to know. Thought I read here once to check the state of your oil if it ever fell below 30, but it sounds like it's perfectly normal. Thanks for the "tid-bit"!

 

Go beat on your car or do a few hard passes, it'll drop below 15 no problem