Oil Pressure Question

[Carlsummers]

Prior to my first oil change, the pressure guage would always be around 80... . now, after the change, when at idle it drops to about 40. when in traffic, it fluctuates between 40 and 80... . is this normal. I have checked the level of oil to make sure it is full.....

 

[Tony T.]

Oil Pressures

The gauges in our trucks are virtual type gauges not giving true accurate reading, actually with a true gauge you would be seeing higher readings. My truck when first fired up (after sitting awhile) will show a high oil pressure until driven for aways,then will stabilize to around 45 psi running 60 to 65 mph. Now when I come to a stop or nearly a stop it will drop to, if I where guessing maybe 15 to 20 psi according to the virtual gauge. You always want to maintain at least a 10 psi reading say in the safe zone of the virtual gauge marks at idle, an should see 40 to 45 psi running a higher speed of say 60 to 65 mph. I did notice a different reading one time right after a oil change at one of those quick lube places on a gasser truck I had, they had over filled it over the full mark by 3 inches. But you said you have already checked the the oil level. Hope this helps, may have not been the answer your looking for though.

 

[Carlsummers]

Thanks, Tony... . I kinda thought that is what's going on. Just wanted to check with others.

 

[rbattelle]

Re: Oil Pressures

Originally posted by Tony T.

The gauges in our trucks are virtual type gauges not giving true accurate reading, actually with a true gauge you would be seeing higher readings. My truck when first fired up (after sitting awhile) will show a high oil pressure until driven for aways,then will stabilize to around 45 psi running 60 to 65 mph. Now when I come to a stop or nearly a stop it will drop to, if I where guessing maybe 15 to 20 psi according to the virtual gauge. You always want to maintain at least a 10 psi reading say in the safe zone of the virtual gauge marks at idle, an should see 40 to 45 psi running a higher speed of say 60 to 65 mph. I did notice a different reading one time right after a oil change at one of those quick lube places on a gasser truck I had, they had over filled it over the full mark by 3 inches. But you said you have already checked the the oil level. Hope this helps, may have not been the answer your looking for though.

Hey Tony, mine actually runs higher pressure. Sometimes it bothers me. I'm at 60-65 psi everywhere above 1800 RPM or so (once it's warm, anyway). I think yours is normal, and mine's a bit high. I don't worry about it, though... if I had only the factory "consistent-with-customer-expectations" gauge I'd never know the difference.



Carl, don't worry... all is normal. (If you want a piece of friendly advice, do what me and Tony did... install an aftermarket oil pressure gauge).