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dangerously low oil pressure at idle?

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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 10:24 PM
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Default dangerously low oil pressure at idle?

Hey guys, well after the engine gets warmed up in my 1994 S15, the oil pressure seems to be very low according to the gauge when idling, like a stop lights. Here's a picture of it idling with my foot off the gas:



and here's a picture of the gauge after lightly pressing the gas pedal



Is that normal? Maybe the mesh on the oil pickup is dirtied up? What do you guys think? Thanks!
 
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 10:54 PM
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Could be crap in the pick up. My wifes taurus did that. Could be bad bearings, that is what my K1500 did. When the cam bearings went.
 
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 11:01 PM
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my 89 does the same thing i thought it was just a faulty gauge or a bad sensor.
 

Last edited by Qumodo; Dec 25, 2009 at 11:13 PM.
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 11:13 PM
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Should I be worried about it? The truck shakes just a little at idle if that makes a difference. Should I drop the oil pan and clean it out?
 
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 11:22 PM
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i haven't had a chance to check on mine yet but i wouldn't be terribly worried about it as long as you have the proper amount of oil in there. make sure you don't have any serious leaks, its most likely a bad pressure sensor. im going to replace my sensor this weekend i'll let you know if that fixes it, its not an expensive part anyway. the sensor is usually located next to the oil filter but like i said i haven't had a chance to look yet. will keep you posted.

add: just looked on autozone.com $22 buck for the part here is the link.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...&parentId=53-0
 

Last edited by Qumodo; Dec 25, 2009 at 11:24 PM.
Old Dec 25, 2009 | 11:26 PM
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UR 4x4 right pita to drop pan but if you gonna drop the pan and clean it out might as well change the pump while ur in there, but i read some were that 7lb is all you need at idle.
 
Old Dec 26, 2009 | 08:38 AM
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When in doubt, connect a mechanical pressure gauge to the pressure sending unit and compare the two gauge readings.
 
Old Sep 29, 2010 | 12:14 PM
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I changed to hiflow oil pump and get 35 at idle and up to 65 running
 
Old Sep 29, 2010 | 03:27 PM
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That's good, but a standard oil pump will do the same.
 
Old Sep 30, 2010 | 06:58 AM
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My 89 S15 Jimmy does the exact same thing. I have a new sending unit and replacement oil pressure gage and no changes. If I ever decide to pull the pan which requires pulling the engine I will install a high volume oil pump. I am not concerned about though.
 
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