oil pressure gauge

[cputzman]

I have a 1993 grand am gt 3.3 and when I stop the oil pressure gauge drops down until I hit the gas again what could be the problem

[rabidpanda69]

I think it's supposed to drop some. as the engine speeds up it requires more oil pressure, if it's dropping extremely low, get it checked out immediately.

[Brad97GS]

How far does it drop?

[sunrunner_pei]

Originally posted by Brad97GS
How far does it drop?

Exactly. Oil pressure should rise and fall with throttle application. What matters is how much it rises and falls.

[cputzman]

it drops down about a quarter below 60

[rixGAphx]

So, it drops to 45?

That is still quite good if it's accurate.

Problem is, electrical oil pressure gages lose accuracy over time, as the connections develop more resistance thru minor but inevitable corrosion.
You might want to take it to a mechanic who has a calibrated mechanical gage that can be temporarily connected directly to the engine for a perfect reading.

BTW, in cars with idiot lights instead of gages, the light won't come on until pressure drops to about 20 psi.
That's about the minimum at idle for a normal-performance engine.
My old 4-cyl MGA would run 30 psi cold at speed, then drop to 10 psi hot at idle :eek: . It was on its last legs, and today's more-powerful engines require more psi at the bearings.

* * * *
And, it's not just that the bearings require more psi when the engine is turning faster: the oil pump is driven directly by the crank, so it PRODUCES more pressure and volume as the revs increase.

I would keep an eye on the gage, but wouldn't worry unless the general situation changes (lower psi at both hi and lo rpm, or a greater drop at idle that can't be attributed to hotter/thinner oil on warm days).

Good luck.
-Rick

[cputzman]

now the gauge is reading above 60 and the check gauge is always on and i checked the oil and its fine.





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