Oil pressure zero? - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Reichert · 08-02-2018

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 · 08-02-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reichert

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

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!").

Your daughter has a great future in Technology

GOLDCYLON · 08-02-2018

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

A26B · 08-02-2018

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.

Reichert · 08-02-2018

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

Jagdpanzer · 08-02-2018

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

Reichert · 08-14-2018

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 · 08-14-2018

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 · 08-15-2018

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

08-02-2018	#1
Reichert Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 104	Oil pressure zero? 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. __________________ -Stephen 1990 #2288

08-02-2018	#3
GOLDCYLON Join Date: May 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 9,155	Re: Oil pressure zero? What Cliff stated above. I remember the first time that happen to me as well. Very common problem to lose that sensor. __________________ GOLDCYLON - 91 ZR-1 #2014 GOLDCYLON - 90 ZR-1 #2794, 4L60e (Formerly Schrade's) GOLDCYLON - 11 CTS-V Arizona State Director 91 WHITE/BLACK #2014. 380 P&P&PCed,Ported Heads, Jeal Long tubes, Corsa Exhaust/FIKSE FM-5s /LED TLs, LED Headlights, Front Wilwood 6 piston narrowlite calipers and rear Wilwood caliper street shop mod,CNCed Coolant Pipes,TPI Cvr,Filter cover,Stainless Bolts, DRM/DOM PROM /ZFDOC mod build #102,DRLs,BMAD with stainless Debris Screen,Coplan Air Blaster, Pioneer APP Radio 4,Brey-Krause HB,Sub Bar,Fire extinguisher seat mount,DRM Coilovers,LEDs everywhere,Compass mirror (orange),V1 DIC hidden display, Homelink sun visor, Carbon Fiber top x3 and APSIS Carbon Fiber interior, APSIS CF Steering Wheel/NAPA Leather, Banski trailing arms, Guldstrand front suspension,urethane bushings from Prothane (total suspension) ZFDoc drive shaft safety loop, raptor shift light (orange),AO engineering louver front plate, Console seat cushion, 96CE seats with black custom Sheepskins, ss billet catch can,Viper remote entry/alarm,Cragar Rear Louvers,LED side louver lights, Dewitts Radiator with SPAL fans and a Woods 160 T-Stat 90 RED/BLACK #2794. 4L60e Automatic Stage V by RPM Transmission, TCI Dedicated TCM, OBX Stainless Headers, Corsa Exhaust, SAN Secondaries and Haibeck PROM, Exotic Muscle Coil overs, LED Interior Lights, LED Tail Lights, LED Headlights, 94 Sport seats with black custom Sheepskins , Cragar rear louvers, GS Front calipers, Banski Trailing arms, APSIS Carbon Fiber steering wheel, Front and Rear Baer Eradispeeds, DRLs, Guldstrand front suspension,urethane bushings from Prothane (total suspension), Dewitt's Raditor with Dual SPAL fans and a Haibeck 170 T-Stat 11 RED/GREY CTS-V

08-02-2018	#4
A26B Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Arcadia,OK Posts: 3,394	Re: Oil pressure zero? 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. __________________ Jerry Downey JERRYS LT5 GASKETS & PARTS http://www.jerrysgaskets.com 1994 *ZR-1*, Black/Black, Lingenfelter Aerobody, 416cu in, 3.91 gears, coil-over susp, Brembo brakes, etc. 2016 Black-Red, 3LT-Z51 Auto 8-speed.

08-02-2018	#5
Reichert Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 104	Re: Oil pressure zero? Thanks guys! I went ahead and ordered an oil pressure gauge from Jerry. __________________ -Stephen 1990 #2288

08-02-2018	#6
Jagdpanzer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,661	Re: Oil pressure zero? 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 __________________ Phil Wasinger 1994 Torch Red ZR-1 WAZOO Member George Braml Intake

08-14-2018	#7
Reichert Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 104	Re: Oil pressure zero? 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. __________________ -Stephen 1990 #2288

08-14-2018	#8
DRM500RUBYZR-1 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mullica Hill, New Jersey Posts: 2,593	Re: Oil pressure zero? 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