So my oil pressure guage sits just below the first quarter line when idling after engine has warmed up. as rpm increases the guage goes up, but only as far as the middle line. Even at 4-5000 rpm the guage still only gets to the middle, which is 270kPa. It has metric units.

Also, checked the trans fluid level with the engine running and the fluid is very clear/see through. Can hardly see where the level actually is. Could it be water in there or is just just way overdue for a trans service?

Thanks!

FWIW I've had the car sitting in the garage for the passed 4-5 months, only got it on the road a few days ago due to registration laws in my country.

 

Typical recommended oil pressure for a Chevy small block is 10psi (69kPa) per 1,000 RPM. If you only have 270kPa at 5,000 RPM your pressure is on the low side. What viscosity oil are you using? How many kM on the engine? What are typical ambient temperatures where you live? What is the coolant temp?

The ATF should be transparent and tinted red. As it deteriorates it will turn darker. If the trans is experiencing problems, it may turn black and smell burned. Are you experiencing any problems with the trans?

 

Using 10w 30 mineral (non synthetic) oil. No extreme temperatures here. Temperatures in my area usually around 10 - 30 degrees celcius (50 - 86F). Coolant temp sits at the first quarter on the guage when highway driving, when idling in heavy traffic it raises to just above the centre line; sometimes half way between half and three quarters. I should mention here that the low coolant warning lamp is on the dash, but the levels in the radiator and overflow are fine.


Transmission is shifting fine, not having any problems with it. Just looks quite clear. There is definitely red colouring, just quite faint. There are also a couple of bubbles appearing on the dip stick.

Car has just under 100,000 kms / 60,000 Miles on the odometer.

Thanks for your response.

 

The atf color is normal. That is how mine has looked since it was new, with regular scheduled service. I always have to take the dipstick out in the sun to read it.

 

The low coolant light is on because the sensor has failed. It is a common problem. You can replace the sensor or just unplug it if you want. It is in the right hand radiator tank next to the battery.

The temperature seems normal and is the way mine operates. When you stop or drive at low speed the temperature goes up until the fans come on. When you use the air conditioning the temperature won't vary as much since the fans run when the air conditioning is on.

My oil pressure runs between the bottom and the quarter mark at idle. At cruise (about 2000 rpm) it is at the half mark (40 psi on my gauge). At higher rpm it will go a little above half but not a lot. That is the way it has always operated. I've had the car since new and use 5w-30.

 

Thanks all.

Is it possible an air lock is causing the low coolant warning? I'll give bleading it a go tomorrow and if that doesn't work probably just unplug the sensor for the time being.

With regards to oil pressure, if 10psi for each 1000rpm is minimum, then i'm probably running a bit low if the revs get up, since the guage doesnt go passed the centre. Should I be worried about this or just leave it?

 

The coolant level sensor is very prone to failure because the coolant can leak into the cavity containing the electronic circuit board, thus destroying it. It happens all the time. The sensor is actually very easy to replace: Drain about a half gallon of coolant, unplug the sensor connector, remove the spring clip from the sensor and just pull it out. Push in the new one until the clip snaps in place, plug in the connector again, and add back the coolant. It helps to coat the rubber seal on the sensor with coolant before installation.