2003 350Z VQ35DE 64000+ miles. So lately I've noticed my oil pressure gauge has been lower than normal. At cold start it will go up to 60ish then dip down slowly to around 8-10ish psi at idle. While driving it stays above 12 psi roughly. When I slow down/stop at a light or to turn, it drops to where the oil light comes on. I've checked the oil at it is normal. I've changed the oil, filter and pressure sender. Pressure remains normal at idle and driving (45-60psi) for a few days then back to the low. There's also been a ticking sound from the right (p side) that has appeared. So I decided to change valve cover gaskets and look to see if there is anything out of the norm inside the bay. The pics shown doesn't seem normal to me with how the edges of the openings are jagged like that. The 3rd pic is the front of the bank up against the timing chain wall. I went through the oil that's pooled and looked through the bay for any metal shavings or chips and haven't found any. I'm wondering if anyone else who has been inside this area has noticed the jagged edges at all or has had the same low oil gauge issue? I've searched this forum but there has not been a remedy anyone has cared to share.

 

The jagged edges just look like flashing to me and I wouldn't be too worried about them. Given that the problem is not consistent I would drop the lower oil pan and check for a clogged pickup.

If it's not that my only other suggestion would be to remove the front timing cover and check both the oil pump and oil gallery gaskets (more of a problem with the HR).

 

Before you start chasing the dragon id get a gauge on the thing to verify your oil pressure readings.

 

Forgot about that. I would also highly recommend getting a gauge to verify the low oil pressure and make sure it is not an electrical problem. Harbor freight sell an affordable oil pressure gauge with the correct BSPT adaptor. Do not use a NPT adaptor as you will destroy the threads in the upper oil pan.