optimal range for oil pressure
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: winnipeg, canada
oil pressures vary all over the map, according to engine condition, pump, sensor, probably oil filter, and who knows what else.
according to dodge, anything over about 10-15 is enough.
usually - its nice to have it around 40, which is the middle of the range on the gauge. its normal to see it lower at idle and higher at rpm.
mine used to fluctuate like above, so i replaced the oil pump. result - now it sits steady, but lower, just under 40. so who knows.
i read somewhere that the gauge display was not real time accurate, but was controlled via software to make the customer happy and reduce complaints that "might oil pressure is too low". i don't know if this is true or not, but the only way to know would be to install a manual gauge - but, if you disconnect your sensor it should trip all kinds of warning lights on your cluster.
according to dodge, anything over about 10-15 is enough.
usually - its nice to have it around 40, which is the middle of the range on the gauge. its normal to see it lower at idle and higher at rpm.
mine used to fluctuate like above, so i replaced the oil pump. result - now it sits steady, but lower, just under 40. so who knows.
i read somewhere that the gauge display was not real time accurate, but was controlled via software to make the customer happy and reduce complaints that "might oil pressure is too low". i don't know if this is true or not, but the only way to know would be to install a manual gauge - but, if you disconnect your sensor it should trip all kinds of warning lights on your cluster.
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
you can test this, but if you unplug the electrical connector for the factory oil pressure sending unit, i think you'll register 0 on the gauge and you'll get multiple lights on the dash.
you'll need to rig up a T in the factory sensor hole, and then attach both the factory sensor and your additional gauge. below is a nice how to. before doing all this, you could temporarily put in the other gauge (mechanical tube or electrical) to see if it actually registers any different than your stock gauge. if it does, go to the trouble, if not, then don't bother - and the story about the computer display might be a myth.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/arti...ure-gauge.html
another with the T moved, and strain relief added.
http://www.theoldone.com/articles/oilpressure/
you'll need to rig up a T in the factory sensor hole, and then attach both the factory sensor and your additional gauge. below is a nice how to. before doing all this, you could temporarily put in the other gauge (mechanical tube or electrical) to see if it actually registers any different than your stock gauge. if it does, go to the trouble, if not, then don't bother - and the story about the computer display might be a myth.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/arti...ure-gauge.html
another with the T moved, and strain relief added.
http://www.theoldone.com/articles/oilpressure/
Last edited by dhvaughan; May 20, 2010 at 09:42 PM.
Amateur
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: london ontario
my oil pressure light comes on while idleing when its hot...but my motor is also old...once i get the rpms up it goes off...... could i have a messed up sending unit ? im gonna try the aftermarker guage aswell
Professional
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Sounds more like a worn out oil pump or you're low on oil. I think the sending unit either works or it doesn't (unless somebody put the wrong one in).