Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil pressure....How much is too much?

[DPinkston]

I finally got my hybrid on the road. Temperature was in the upper 20's this morning and when I cranked it up the oil pressure got up to about 85-90 or so. I was real easy on the go pedal for a few miles till the oil started thinning out. When it is good and hot I still have 40psi at idle. Is this excessive? I am running Rotella 15W-40. Should I change to 5W-40 for the winter? It was still hot outside when I poured the oil in it back in October. I read on here somewhere that the oil pressure is adjustable. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't in the excessive range.

Thanks,

Danny

 

[Joe G.]

When it first starts there is a big pressure spike. If you are using a mechanical pressure gauge you will see it. If the high pressure persists then you may want to look at the relief valve in the oil cooler. It is supposed to open at 65 PSI. The plug that holds the pressure spring and the valve is just ahead of the oil filter facing upward. I suspect that your's is ok.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Dpinkston is that on the stock gauge or a mechanical gauge? I had a mechanical one on my '01 HO and it would generally go to 80-85psi in the morning then level off to 40 when warmed up. The stock gauge on my '96 runs around 60-70 when cold as I recall.



Vaughn

 

[DPinkston]

Dpinkston is that on the stock gauge or a mechanical gauge? I had a mechanical one on my '01 HO and it would generally go to 80-85psi in the morning then level off to 40 when warmed up. The stock gauge on my '96 runs around 60-70 when cold as I recall.



Vaughn

This is an aftermarket mechanical gauge. I guess the pressure is OK. The engine has 110,000 miles on it and I doubt the pressure relief has been messed with. If there was a problem I would think it would have manifested itself before now.

Danny