15-30PSI at 90 degrees

[MBV511EAE]

I know the oil pressure has been done to death but I'm really needing a bit of reassurance - is 15-30 psi at 90 degrees a good oil pressure?

The oil is Mobil 1 15w-50 (replaced a few days ago and new oil filter and sump plug) - I've checked the level and it's right up to the full mark when cold. It doesn't drop bellow 15psi - but gets close to it sometimes. Normally when hot and stationary. Picks up to 30-45psi when moving/revving.

[v8 racing]

I am assuming that it is a pre serp? if so it sounds ok, if its a serp then no, however the senders/gauges arent know to be perfectly accurate so may be worth checking the real presure with a compilary gauge.

[MBV511EAE]

It's not a pre-serp :-( Oh dear...... Now I'm really worried....

[GreenV8S]

At tickover? Yes, that's a very good oil pressure. If the engine is worn it's not unknown for the oil pressure at hot idle to drop down so far the warning light flickers on.

[MBV511EAE]

The engine has 66K on it - it's a 1999 - immaculately maintained from the history.
Perhaps I'm just being a worry wart?

Edited by MBV511EAE on Tuesday 31st July 22:35 66K not 68K doh!

Edited by MBV511EAE on Tuesday 31st July 22:36

[v8 racing]

GreenV8S said:

At tickover? Yes, that's a very good oil pressure. If the engine is worn it's not unknown for the oil pressure at hot idle to drop down so far the warning light flickers on.

serps never drop that low i think maybe you answered before you knew it was a serp?

[MBV511EAE]

Oh now I'm really worried again :-(

[MBV511EAE]

Could this just be a duff sender? Anyone know a good place to pick one up cheaply? How hard is it to hook up a wet gauge?

[v8 racing]

MBV511EAE said:

Oh now I'm really worried again :-(

seriously dont get too woried, contact dulford automotive and ask them for a new pressure sender it most like this that is causing the low oil pressure

[Dave 500]

Mine goes as low as 15 on tick over its normal for mine. Its been ok for 4 years. How long have you had the car. As long as the oil warning light stays off your ok.

[MBV511EAE]

v8 racing said:

seriously dont get too woried, contact dulford automotive and ask them for a new pressure sender it most like this that is causing the low oil pressure

First call tomorrow morning will be dulford!
Cheers v8 racing

[That Daddy]

Bloody hell, dont trust the stock gauge,its notoriously inacurate,mine is registering 10psi lower on all readings hot/cold whatever constantly,if in doubt get it checked with a garage kit.

[MBV511EAE]

Starting to feel happier now. Thanks folks! I'm sure the car has been loved and it's definitely been used. Think I'm suffering new owner syndrome - everything's so unknown - it's been 7 years since my last car and I'm going through it all again (hehehe)

[Cider Andy]

v8 racing said:

...serps never drop that low...

If you're talking about pressure measured on a calibrated instrument I couldn't comment, but based on the reading off the dashboard instrument which is all most people have to go off, I'd say those readings are normal UNLESS they'd previously been higher and have suddenly dropped to a lower range.

At 90°C (coolant temperature off the dash) mine will read just over 10 PSI oil pressure rising to about 40 PSI at higher revs.

[MBV511EAE]

Hi Andy

They have been taken from the dash gauge - and have been pretty consistent - no sudden drops.

[Dave 500]

I think you will find its just fine Get it cheacked out for peace of mind but I bet its ok.

[blujay10]

I had this worry when i first had mine 2 years ago.
Best advice is to remember that the guages are really only a guide at best. As per other chaps, its the sudden change in readings that are the ones to watch. That goes for the temp guage too! Fuel guage is also a bit vague.
I am sure your garage will put your mind at rest

[Zippee]

My 97 400 sits at 15 when warm and on idle, between 30 & 45 under load. Yours sounds fine to me.

[Little Mac]

Had my Chim for a little over 2 years now. It idles at about 15psi but hardly rises above 30psi when I floor it. I have always assumed this to be normal. Its a 2001 4.5l with 19,000 on the clock and full service history with HHC.

[MBV511EAE]

THanks all! Sounds like it's a duff gauge and overanxious owner to me :-)