So, I'm driving the Z for the first time in about 2 weeks and notice that the oil pressure is very eratic. I've never seen, or maybe noticed this before. At idle it sits right around 20 psi, cruising at 30 mph in OD it fluctuates between about 30-37. Normally in the past I've just seen it sitting up at 60, where I've always thought it should be. I took it up to about 50 mph and the pressure increased to around 55-60, but I didn't want to risk any damage if something was wrong so I brought her home. The needle seems to be bouncing all over the place while driving stop-and-go in town. Is this normal, or do I have something to worry about?

 

Check the connection on the sending unit. On your 1993, it is just above the oil filter on the side of the block. Also, your sending unit could be dying or something wrong with the wiring.

 

That's kind of what I'm hoping for. But I figured with only about 35,000 miles it should still be alright. Is that oil pressure getting down where it can start damaging engine components?

 

Oh, I think I'll change the oil tommorow as well. I've only changed it once in two years. I've only put about 3000 miles total on it though since I got her. Last time I used Mobil 1 (can't remember which weight) so I'll stick with that. I do have a Fram filter on it so I'll be swapping to another brand.

 

I don't know about you F-body guys, but with our b-bodys, we have an un-easy feeling too. When warm, the needle sits right next to the RED line. It bounces very erractically too. I hooked up a mechanical gauge to it and it looks good. Changed out the sending unit, helped a little, but still bounces around. BTW, normal psi for LT1's are 18 psi @2000rpm, at idle, it's about 16 psi. After founding out the oil specs for LT1's, I was soon relieved. I guess the 9C1's use a "real-time" sending unit compared to regular caprices where it's just a dummy pressure switch. I've put 20,000 miles on it since I got it with 89,000 miles, and it's A O K.

 

TTT for the night crew

 

Yeah, it worries me too. Maybe I just haven't paid that much attention to it though. I might swap out the sensor tommorow. Sounds pretty easy to do. Any idea what they run, or if I have to go to the dealer for one? I'd much rather hit up NAPA or Big A.

 

If the oil pressure gauge is as big a piece of **** as the fuel level gauge I wouldn't worry about it.

Good excuse to get a nice set of A pillar gauges, with one being oil pressure

John

 

I would, but that's where my fire extiguisher is mounted. Just kidding of course. I'll pass on the A-pillar gauges though, don't like the look of them really.

 

I had low oil pressure for 2 years at idle replaced everthing but pump, and it was still low. At high rpm there was no problem. Now with the new motor I have a HV oil pump pressure never drops past 60. Some say these can suck the pan dry, but I cant see that happening in a 100years unless you only have 3qts(I run 5).

 

You scared me for a minute!!!

 

you might not want to hear this but a fluttering gauge sometimes means bearing faliure. Hookup a mechanical gauge if it does the same thing, time for a new motor.

 

I drove it awhile the next day, pressure seemed to be normal and the gauge wasn't bouncing. I hope it's not a bearing with only 35,000 miles.