Low oil psi ?
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iamdub
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Assuming the gauge is accurate, that's lower than average. What does it do at max RPM, like when passing? I say "when passing" cuz you can't rev it to max RPM/shift point in Park or Neutral.
It hits about 38psi when passing.
iamdub
Full Access Member
The ~10psi sweep from cruising to max RPM is mostly normal for these engines in stock form. You're just on a lower scale. First step before getting too concerned is to verify with a mechanical gauge. Might wanna have a new OEM oil pressure sensor to go back in while you're working in the area. Could be the gauge. Have access to a scan tool that shows live data? The PCM would report what the sensor is saying. So, if the scanner shows a higher scale than what the gauge reads, then you likely have a faulty gauge. If the mechanical gauge confirms the "low" pressure, report back and we can move on from there.
Ok I orderd a new sending unit and screen today. No scan tool. I did jack the rear of the truck up as hi as my floor would go to see if the psi would jump because the o ring on the pickup tube would be submerged in oil & no change. I hope it's a bad sending unit. Thanks for the information.
swathdiver
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Put a new filter on it and check again.
iamdub
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The O-ring test takes overfilling the oil or being on a really steep incline, more than what a floor jack would achieve. Either find a steep incline or overfill by 1.5-2 quarts and find a mild-moderate incline to be sure. I second @swathdiver's suggestion of trying a new oil filter. I never think about the oil filter causing low pressure but it is certainly a thing.
THanks alot ! I will do an over fill tomorrow & see what happens.
Then if no change, an oil change. I appreciate all the input.
Dustin Jackson
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Doesn't look bad just looks like its due for an oil change
Ditto @Dustin Jackson . I usually see pressure in that range in my 2008 as well. 50 psi on startup, then drops off with temp. I replaced pan gasket and o-ring last year, same situation as you see. I'd say you're good. But, it doesn't hurt to check with software or mechanical guage if you are concerned still.
Well changed oil & filter this morning & I have 40psi again. I'm guessing somthing in the filter failed. Thanks everyone for the information, greatly appreciated !
CaptainAmerica1
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Nothing failed. It happens. That’s how I can tell I’m due for a change beside looking at the OLI, my hot idle drops under 25psi. New oil and filter and it comes back to normal. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle!
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I just had a similar experience, where my oil pressure suddenly dropped, but not quite as much as yours dropped. An oil change and new filter restored the pressure to normal. Strange, as I change my oil and filter every 3000-5000 miles. But, it did happen.
Yeah definitely strange. I change mine at 3000. Ive never had this happen. But I'm glad I dont have to tear into the engine to fix it.
That's strange. I always change mine at 3000 & I use 5w30 full synthetic. I've never had this happen before but hey I'm not gonna complain, easy fix.
THanks
Thanks man. I think I'm to go now.
Charlie207
Full Access Member
The oil pressure sensor screen can get clogged up with junk, and provide false readings. Mine did that.
I saw a watched a video that said to replace the sensor while doing an oil change to save time (two birds/one stone). Remove the oil filter, drain oil before doing the sensor and screen so that you can blow air down the hole that the sensor threads into, so the built up gunk gets forced down and out of the oil filter housing. (I guess it's a straight shot down through the block from the pressure sensor to the oil filter.)
Just changing the sensor, or sensor & screen won't remove whatever gunk is present, and throw off the sensor. Even if your cold PSI to hot PSI sweep is the same as always, the gauge will present some wonky readings.
Here's the video:
I saw a watched a video that said to replace the sensor while doing an oil change to save time (two birds/one stone). Remove the oil filter, drain oil before doing the sensor and screen so that you can blow air down the hole that the sensor threads into, so the built up gunk gets forced down and out of the oil filter housing. (I guess it's a straight shot down through the block from the pressure sensor to the oil filter.)
Just changing the sensor, or sensor & screen won't remove whatever gunk is present, and throw off the sensor. Even if your cold PSI to hot PSI sweep is the same as always, the gauge will present some wonky readings.
Here's the video:
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