NorthPoleDev

I recently got an oil change because my oil gage kept from about the 1/4 level the empty which makes the check gage light come on. After I got my oil change the gage never got back to the middle level which it's supposed to be at. Can anyone else me out.

1996 z28 with LT1 engine

Injuneer

How many miles on the engine? What viscosity oil are you using (5W-30?)? Did you change the filter when you changed the oil?

Is the engine modified in any way? What temperature is indicated on the coolant temp gauge with the engine fully warmed up?

When the gauge is at the bottom "0" it means there is no oil pressure. Has nothing to do with the "level". The "Check Gages" light comes on when the oil pressure drops below 6psi. The 1/4 mark is about 20psi.

Check the pressure with a mechanical gauge. I would avoid driving it until you sort out the problem.

NorthPoleDev

I have 146 thousand miles. I put 10w-40 high mileage oil. The temperature does not rise any farther then it should. I did change the oil filter when I got my oil changed and I have no modifications to the engine. Atleast that I know of. I've only had the car since July. How would I go about gettin a mechanical gauge to checc the pressure?

Injuneer

There is a 1/4" NPT port right above the oil filter. Rent a pressure gauge at an auot parts store, and connect it there via a hose, which typically will come with the gauge.

http://shbox.com/1/aux_oil_port.jpg

At idle, I'd look for at least 10psi. Above that, typical GM spec is 10psi per 1,000 RPM. e.g. - 20psi at 2,000 RPM, 30psi at 3,000 RPM, 40psi at 4,000 RPM, etc.

You can get away with slightly lower pressures than those. but I'd be a bit suspicious of the condition of the engine, particularly since you used 10W-40 oil, which is heavier than GM recommends (5W-30).