Oil Pressure Readings - I AM CONCERNED

[Jumbo Jet]

When warm at 1000 RPM - Oil Pressure Gauge reads about 21 psi (barely past first green mark on gauge).



At 1500 RPM - Oil Pressure Gauge reads about 42 psi.



Reminds me of a wore out crankshaft on my '60 Ford truck.



Should I be concerned.



I also occasionally have that terrible 'knock'. After driving 75 MPH for about two hours and then idle around the drive up window at McD's, the engine makes that annoying knocking sound.



I have 3,600 miles on the truck now.



Should I be concerned??

 

[Kel]

Did they change the virtual gauge from the '03s?



If not, I wouldn't be too worried. The 03s use an algorithm to tell you what the oil pressure should be. It is really a 5psi switch that allows the algorithm to go through if above 5 psi or it turns on the oil light if below 5psi.



Therefore, all readings are ficticous. If it still uses the 5 psi switch, then the algorithm in your truck may have an error. If you want to be sure, hook up a mechanical gauge to the block and check it yourself.

 

[DwayneKelch]

Jumbo Jet,



That concern/question came up at the ATS event I attended Saturday in Denver, CO. Scott, from Rocky Mountain Cummins, stated what our gauge indicates isn't necessarily what our oil pressure is. The ECM provides the voltage/signal to the gauge only to let us know we have safe/proper oil pressure. He said if the needle hits the red line, we indeed have a problem.



I trust what he says because there was a big difference between what my 98. 5 and 01. 5 indicated for pressure. Maybe someone else will reply with a better explanation.





Dwayne

 

[Prairie Dog]

You shouldn't be concerned as the gage is fake and only puts on a predecided show for you as long as you've got oil pressure.

 

[Blakers]

All you need is 5 psi. to lubricate. We have no hydraulic lifters to worry about.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Jumbo Jet your knocking is probably fuel-system or fuel related. Have you tried any additives? I remember Prarie Dog saying he had a knock from time to time when his truck was new which eventually went away.



Vaughn

 

[rbattelle]

Factory gauge is totally FAKE. As long as it's not pegged at either maximum or minimum, your pressure is fine. Check out this thread.