Cascade Crew

DBL_TKE · Posted: Sun Sep 29, 2013 9:07 pm Post subject: Zero oil pressure at idle

Today while on my way home from work on the highway I happened to notice that my oil pressure seemed fairly low, it was right at the first hash mark which appears to be about 15 PSI while i was cruising at about 2800rpms. Generally my gauge reads at the 30psi mark while cruising. Once I hit my first stop light I glanced down again and noticed the needle sitting at zero, I blipped the throttle and the gauge bumped up to the top of the red zone and held there. Twice more I saw it dip down to zero when the RPM's came to an idle. Not once did I see it get above the first hash mark when usually I see about 45psi when accelerating. I parked the car for the night but I've never dealt with an oil pressure problem before and I'm not sure where I should start. And no, the engine is not low on oil at least.

chevymad · Posted: Sun Sep 29, 2013 9:13 pm Post subject:

If you weren't hearing any noises the gauge is wrong. I keep a mechanical gauge with a hose at work to check. After that its just diagnosing the gauge.

DBL_TKE · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 6:10 am Post subject:

First thing I did was crack the window to hear if it sounded like it had no oil. Sounded normal to me which is why I didn't kill the engine right away.

Alphius · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 6:48 am Post subject:

My money is on the sender since you saw the gauge hit both the top and the bottom of the range.

aaron_sK · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 7:08 am Post subject:

Buy a real gauge and hardmount it in the cab. I'd get a temp gauge and tach too. Never trust any GM instrumentation, especially on a '90-'92 Camaro dash.

That said, I would check it with a reliable shop gauge as soon as possible.

fiveoformula · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 8:17 am Post subject:

My bet is the gauge sender also. they're cheap and in stock at almost every parts store.

DBL_TKE · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 11:15 am Post subject:

fiveoformula · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 1:37 pm Post subject:

This must be contagious.... I had to mash on throttle in the jeep to get into traffic earlier and I noticed the oil PSI gauge pegged, then went zero, then 40PSI (middle of gauge) all within about 5 seconds. Lol

aaron_sK · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 1:39 pm Post subject:

But that's a Jeep.

When it breaks you just keep going.

fiveoformula · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 2:38 pm Post subject:

Yeah, maybe it just spit a rod out the side of the block and thats why the gauge went a little funky.... lol it'll be ok Laughing

chevymad · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 5:12 pm Post subject:

I'm pretty sure my jeep has an idiot gauge. Needle is always just over half no matter what temp/rpm etc.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 5:43 pm Post subject:

That sucks. Mine is clearly higher cold than hot.

Alphius · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 6:23 pm Post subject:

Real oil pressure gauge crew representin' Cool

The Subaru just has an idiot light though... Sad