Oil Pressure - What is Normal ?

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Dave01

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Per my dash gauge I'm seeing (once warmed up) only 20 psi at idle, up to 30-35 in low speed driving, about 40 on the highway. Seems low to me, what do people usually see for oil pressure?

My 2010 has 55,000 miles and so far I don't see it burning any oil at all, but have only owned it for about 6,000 miles.
 

08grey

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Mine is a 08 6.2 and I see the same numbers as you. I run penszoil synthetic 5 30. Highway I can get put to 60 psi. Otherwise the same as yours.
 
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Dave01

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Last oil change was at the dealer, I'm pretty sure they use 5W30 conventional. I have the GM certified free oil changes so am having them done there.
 

08grey

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I have the certified oil changes too and I have never used one. I think the oem new style of filter is crap. I have been using the mobile one filter. The corvette guys swear by them and there was some guy on their forums that ran tests and they proved top notch. I would consider changing the oil yourself. It's really easy just get one of those filter holder ratchet caps and you can change it whenever you want in 10 minutes. The penzoil oil I'm using you can get in walmart for 20 bucks when it's in sale for 5 quarts and it's really good oil from what I have read and experienced.

I find my oil dirty to me At 3k. Half of what the oil consumption clock would have changed it at.
 
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Dave01

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I change a lot of oil myself, not a problem with how-to! Add a Fumoto valve, like you say done in 10 minutes, no mess.

I guess I figured that using the dealer while still under warranty took away one piece of ammo from them if something fails. I'm changing at 3,000 miles, just as you are, and if they have a record of doing those changes at those miles I'd think they couldn't make any lack of maintenance arguments. Maybe i'm over-thinking it, not sure.

I agree on Mobil 1 filters, use them in my diesel Jeep Liberty and have read good reviews on them.
 

08grey

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Cool. I noticed today at 35 mph. I am at about 50 psi. Normal street driving.

At 3000 miles I'm still around 50 percent oil life on the clock. My dealer wouldn't change it until it hits at least 20 percent they told me. Main reason why I haven't used any yet.
 
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Ponchonutty

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When cold at take off I am around 50-60psi. I'm around 40 at idle. Once warmed up I am at 20psi at idle. I thought it was a little low too but sounds like it must be normal. It's still got the dealer's oil in it. From now on it will have Amsoil and WIX filters
 
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Dave01

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I'm going to ask the dealer next time I'm there (shortly) what they consider normal for oil pressure on 5.3's. Curious for their answer. If the guy says "don't worry unless the low pressure light comes on" I might have a little argument with him!
 

jayson

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I'm going to ask the dealer next time I'm there (shortly) what they consider normal for oil pressure on 5.3's. Curious for their answer. If the guy says "don't worry unless the low pressure light comes on" I might have a little argument with him!

that is what he will tell you in most cases.
here are some specs that i found from the research i did for my 6.2 liter
minimum op pressure @ 1000RPM - 6psi
Op pressure @ 2000Rpm 18psi
Op pressur @ 4000RPM - 24 psi
 

20104x4hoe

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My old 2003 yukon with a 5.3 would stay at 45 psi plus at idle hot. It would run between 55-60 psi while driving. My new to me 2010 tahoe carries about the same psi as stated above. I drove a quite a few of the newer tahoe sand yukons and this is normal for them. The first one I drove I thought something was wrong with it because the oil psi was so much lower than my old 2003 with 130k miles lol..
 
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Dave01

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I find it hard to get used to. I always adhered to the old rule of thumb of 10 psi per 1,000 rpm as a minimum, and hard for me to accept that a newer engine with closer tolerances is fine with less pressure. Obviously it's fine, they are designed for this pressure, but not sure I understand the reasons behind it.
 

Kevinf89

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Sorry to bring it up again but i had code for performance oil pressure sensor changed it and pickup tube and o ring when i did rear main and oil pan and pit a pf48e filter on and at warm idle i get 40 psi and after a drive i get above 20 like maybe 22 23 24 not sure but is that normal oil pressure?
 

Geotrash

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Sorry to bring it up again but i had code for performance oil pressure sensor changed it and pickup tube and o ring when i did rear main and oil pan and pit a pf48e filter on and at warm idle i get 40 psi and after a drive i get above 20 like maybe 22 23 24 not sure but is that normal oil pressure?
Holy thread necro!

40 at warm idle is great. Above 15 at hot idle is also normal so 20’s is great. There’s a sticky at the top of this section of the forum:

 

Kevinf89

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Holy thread necro!

40 at warm idle is great. Above 15 at hot idle is also normal so 20’s is great. There’s a sticky at the top of this section of the forum:

I get in the 20's no matter how far i go or not but thanks i was worried
 

Kevinf89

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Holy thread necro!

40 at warm idle is great. Above 15 at hot idle is also normal so 20’s is great. There’s a sticky at the top of this section of the forum:

Like today it idled a hour or so and stayed above 40 jist a bit till i drove it roughly a hour and got home and was above 20 a tiny bit
 

Geotrash

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Like today it idled a hour or so and stayed above 40 jist a bit till i drove it roughly a hour and got home and was above 20 a tiny bit.

Minimum hot idle oil pressure is either 10 or 15 psi before you get a warning chime and message. And the rule of thumb for oil pressure on the LS engine to maintain its health is 10 psi per thousand RPM, but there is a pressure release valve in the oil pan that will relieve pressure at above 60 psi. Mine both run 45-50 on the highway and 25-35 at hot idle depending on how warm the oil is. The link I provided previously will tell you everything you need to know. And here is a good guide:

 
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Kevinf89

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Minimum hot idle oil pressure is either 10 or 15 psi before you get a warning chime and message. And the rule of thumb for oil pressure on the LS engine to maintain its health is 10 psi per thousand RPM, but there is a pressure release valve in the oil pan that will relieve pressure at above 60 psi. Mine both run 45-50 on the highway and 25-35 at hot idle depending on how warm the oil is. The link I provided previously will tell you everything you need to know. And here is a good guide:

Yea i knew about the sensor and filter which is replaced along with new pickup tube and o ring when i did the oil pan and front rear mains before i changed sensor it wouldnt go a mile without saying shut down engine and i drove it home 45 mins at 70 got home and engine was quiet but if it blew i had a brand new engine to drop in
 

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