Oil pressure zero?

[Reichert]

The other day, at a stop light, I noticed the oil pressure drop to zero. (Actually, my daughter did .. "daddy you have zero oil!"). When I put it in gear and kept going, the pressure only crept up a little bit, to about 10 PSI .. then it would keep going down to zero at idle. There were no other symptoms of problems - everything seemed to be running fine - so I just drove it straight home and let it sit overnight.



The next day I checked the oil and it was actually a quart low (still getting used to the oil control in this car - or lack thereof). So I topped it off. Since then, the oil pressure has been fine for the most part, but I have observed it drop to zero at idle briefly once since then (but in that case, the pressure at RPM was normal)



It kind of feels like it might be the sending unit flaking out, because the needle wobbles and snaps to 0 when it gets close to the top.


I don't really know if it makes sense that the pressure would actually be very low or go to zero when the oil level is a quart low .. does it?


Any wisdom in this area would be appreciated - just want to make sure there's not a real problem creeping up on me.

[Dynomite]

It kind of feels like it might be the sending unit flaking out, because the needle wobbles and snaps to 0 when it gets close to the top.

I don't really know if it makes sense that the pressure would actually be very low or go to zero when the oil level is a quart low .. does it?




A quart low has no effect on Oil Pressure......you need a new sending unit (Oil Pressure Sensor Dash Gauge). Jerry's Oil Pressure Sensor (http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/sensor-oil-pressure-guage-3-terminal-new-90-95-9c5/)

There could be some other things going on but very high percentage your issue is the Sending Unit. It almost seems like you lost the "O" ring in the oil pan pick up which a quart low might have an effect.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/B%20Engine%20LT5/SOilFilterHousingLabel_zps4cacf14a.jpg

The other day, at a stop light, I noticed the oil pressure drop to zero. (Actually, my daughter did .. "daddy you have zero oil!").
Your daughter has a great future in Technology :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[GOLDCYLON]

What Cliff stated above. I remember the first time that happen to me as well. Very common problem to lose that sensor.

[A26B]

I concur with Dynomite's opinion, that the "Sensor, Oil Pressure Gauge" is the most likely responsible for the observed gauge reading.

For engine protection, there is another "Switch" that should illuminate red if oil pressure is low.

It appears as "Switch, Low Oil Pressure Warning Light" in the following photo.

http://cdn3.bigcommerce.com/s-nkg90o/product_images/uploaded_images/oil-filter-adapter-sensors.jpg?t=1468595781

[Reichert]

Thanks guys! I went ahead and ordered an oil pressure gauge from Jerry.

[Jagdpanzer]

Also, if the oil pressure is truly low at some point the hydraulic lifters will begin to clatter.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[Reichert]

To put a bow on this thread - I replaced the pressure gauge sensor last week. On a ~500 mile round trip drive this weekend, the pressure was steady at ~65 psi under load and ~40 psi at idle. Problem solved.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

1- VERY impressed that your daughter noticed the low reading!
She sounds like a true "car-girl" enthusiast!
2- Thanks for circling back to confirm the problem and the fix.
Such exchanges buoy the confidence of others to tackle some of these problems.


Enjoy your car!!!
Marty

[Reichert]

Well, so far she hasn't shown much interest in the wrenching part of it, but she is definitely observant and inquisitive, and likes the driving part :)

The respectfulness, patience, and responsiveness of this community to troubleshooting requests and other questions is outstanding, even though the same issues come up over and over again (inevitable after so much time). The least we can do is follow up to confirm when a problem is resolved.


1- VERY impressed that your daughter noticed the low reading!
She sounds like a true "car-girl" enthusiast!
2- Thanks for circling back to confirm the problem and the fix.
Such exchanges buoy the confidence of others to tackle some of these problems.


Enjoy your car!!!
Marty