Low Oil Pressure Question

[s_x_i]

Hey guys,

do any of you know how accurate the factory oil pressure gauge is? I was driving to work this morning and I looked down and saw my gauge on low. Pulled over immediately and checked the oil level, it was a little low, so I added a quart, it's about 1/3 the way up the dipstick now and the gauge is still reading L.

I don't want to drive the car anywhere, there are no leaks or anything, no smoke... anyone got any ideas on what to do / check? Are these gauges or sending units known to fail? Anything obvious I'm overlooking?

Thanks.

:beer:

 

[DevilSun]

As far as the visual gauge itself, it's on/off basically. Anything over 6psi I believe registers "normal" and should be up and down. They are quick, cheap, and easy to replace in case it went out.

 

[Brutal Metal]

accurate compared to what? there's NO numbers on the gauge and it will read normal with from 5-100psi, answer your question?

 

[cobracide]

If the PCM was smart, when the oil pressure falls below five or so, it would shut the engine off. Too bad it doesn't. Been putting this off but think it's time for an aeroforce sensor.

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/shelby-gt500-150/779951-oil-pressure-gauge.html

 

[s_x_i]

Been doing some reading - looks like the sending units on these suck. I have an aftermarket gauge on the shelf, I guess now would be a good time to install it. :read:

 

[Brutal Metal]

Good idea!

 

[01Jes]

Been doing some reading - looks like the sending units on these suck. I have an aftermarket gauge on the shelf, I guess now would be a good time to install it. :read:

I heard the same bout the sender being low quality. The oem gauge is vague as it doesn't move much. Like previously posted, once normal registered pressure is avail, indicator will read in the "norm". However, I'm curious as to what is the "true" oil pressure in relation to RPM, oil viscosity, outside air temperature, heat and so on. What kind of gauge will you be installing if I may ask.

 

[BADASS03SVT]

Been doing some reading - looks like the sending units on these suck. I have an aftermarket gauge on the shelf, I guess now would be a good time to install it. :read:

yes they do

saturday at the track my stock guage read 0 on first start up and my after market read good. Then found a small oil leak and it seemed to be ocming form the stock sensor. It actually blew right through the seal and the oil was coming out of the electrical connector.

 

[s_x_i]

Electrical connection was lose - went ahead and changed the oil and filter too.

I have an Autometer gauge I'd been meaning to install, will probably be a Sunday project, but I have an upper intake and a head gasket (both on different cars) to do before I get to the Cobra.

 

[01Jes]

yes they do

saturday at the track my stock guage read 0 on first start up and my after market read good. Then found a small oil leak and it seemed to be ocming form the stock sensor. It actually blew right through the seal and the oil was coming out of the electrical connector.

Wow 1 reason I'm not a fan of electrical senders.

 

[Brutal Metal]

Mechanical is the way to go for oil psi, their a piece of cake on these cars, get a 6-8 foot braided line and tie into the oil cooler adapter!

 

[cobracide]

DD, no mech. gauges in my car. thx

 

[VirtualSVT]

DD, no mech. gauges in my car. thx

mechanical to electrical.

Auto Meter 5282 Auto Meter High Pressure Gauge Isolator

 

[cobracide]

mechanical to electrical.

Auto Meter 5282 Auto Meter High Pressure Gauge Isolator

Interesting.. but more work. Once I dedicate my car full time to racing, I will look into it. Anyone now with a mech gauge now come on and bash.:bash:

 

[Brutal Metal]

The Full Sweep Auto Meter Electricals are some Big change, I don't see the issue running mech water temp and oil press?

 

[GoatSlayer]

OP, you are most likely running your car with low oil. I had the same issue like 3 weeks ago. I did a full oil change, and guess what the oil pressure came back to normal!

 

[01Jes]

The Full Sweep Auto Meter Electricals are some Big change, I don't see the issue running mech water temp and oil press?

Nice setup!

 

[VirtualSVT]

The Full Sweep Auto Meter Electricals are some Big change, I don't see the issue running mech water temp and oil press?

Water's not as big of an issue but Oil can be if the line splits or leaks.

 

[01Jes]

Water's not as big of an issue but Oil can be if the line splits or leaks.

This with braided line @ the bottom half. Oil fills @ the bottom of isolator w/ braided line to engine, the top fills with water or windshield fluid to indicated pressur gauge. It's 2 parts that are separated by a diaphragm. Can also be used for fuel. Iv used them in the past and they work great. I'm installing one on this vehicle for fuel. They are rated for 120psi

 

[encasedmetal]

all autometer cobalt electricals here-ain't no way in shit I'm running fluids into my car with my luck