Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil Pressure at Oil Filter Housing???

[MacGreenie]

What sort of pressure should I see on my oil pressure guage? I do not trust the stock dash guage and would like a reliable and accurate backup.



I am installing an oil pressure sender (Westach) on the oil filter mounting plate (there is a little 1/8 NPT port on the top of the assembly).



I tried a mechanical guage at the same mounting point and the thing pegged the needle at 100psi while at idle!!



TIA



MacGreenie (spendin' money and going guage crazy... ... )

 

[PRout]

I have an Issopro unit tapped into that location, and I see 80psi max while cold, around 60 at cruise speed during normal temps, and it goes down to about 22 at idle when hot (which I dont like).



This is the second unit Ive tried since the first Issopro went bad (which they replaced), and both gauges show about the same numbers.



Also, I noticed that the stock gauge is fairly close on the numbers, even though it is limited in its readout.



Hope that helps. .

 

[JohnE]

WE install mechanical oil pressure gauges on ISC & ISL engines. The conection point is not to the filter but to a port in the pressure galley.

On start up we easily see 130 psi which drops off.

Now you know why the stratopore filter case is beefier than the microglass... .

 

[rbattelle]

MacGreenie,



I have an oil pressure gauge (Isspro) installed to the same port as you, and I notice similar results. A hot truck runs about 70-75 psi maximum above around 1600 RPM, with 20-22 psi at idle.



What I'm amazed at is cold weather running. I have the 0-80 psi gauge and it's pegged at 80 psi at highway speeds (1800-2000 RPM and higher) when it's cold out.



I find this result strange, since the oil pressure regulator valve is supposed to keep pressure to 75 psi or less.

 

[pro99]

I put my auto-meter gauge inline with the oil pressure sending unit on the driver’s side. The readings are the same from the sending unit and filter housing. The reason for putting it there was I didn’t like the running of the line around everything.





Oo.

 

[y-knot]

I too monitor oil pressure and oil temperature from that 1/8" npt port. I think several factors will determine what readings you get. I use AUTOMETER gages, and sending units, there will probaly be a slight difference between the various makers, and weather it is mech or electrical. The condition of the engine plays a role. The type and weight of old, as well as the temp, all will be factors. Right now in the mournings it is around 40 degrees, so I will see 75-85 at start-up, at an idle. After it has warmed up to normal operating temperature, I will see around 50-60 at idle. Running down the highway, at speed, it will stay in the 75 range. On very cold mournings you will peg the Gage (over 100 psi).

 

[rbattelle]

I notice on my Isspro electrical gauge a lot of needle bouncing at high RPM (>1400), especially on the highway. The needle is rock-steady at idle conditions. Does anyone else notice anything like this? I mean it really bounces quick. Like I can be at 65 psi one second, and suddenly the needle jumps to 80 psi (pegged) and sticks there. Sometimes it rapidly oscillates between 60 and 75 psi, jumping all over in that range.



It almost seems like a bad electrical connection, but like I said everything is rock-solid at idle and moderate RPM. I'm beginning to wonder whether the gauge is faulty?



Any advice?

 

[y-knot]

Your erratic Gage needle does not sound very kosher. Gage needle movement should be smooth and uniform. I would suspect a loose wire, or the sender unit is in trouble

 

[B9Mile]

You might try a snubber to dampen out any pulsations.

 

[rbattelle]

Well, I checked all my connections and everything is tight. I also tapped on the amplifier unit and tugged all the wires with the engine running, but the gauge remained steady like it always does at idle.



Next, I'll try connecting a voltmeter to the gauge power supply and see if the voltage remains steady at highway speeds. If it does, then perhaps I need to warranty the gauge.