optimal range for oil pressure
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Texas
I'd say 60 psi at start up and at higher rpms and around 40 psi at idle or lower rpms.
Edit: I looked at mine yesterday and after it's warmed up and idleing, it's a little less than 40, like 30-35 psi.
Edit: I looked at mine yesterday and after it's warmed up and idleing, it's a little less than 40, like 30-35 psi.
Last edited by jamesnb; May 21, 2010 at 09:14 AM. Reason: correction
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From: Gainesville, Ga.
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.
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From: Clayton MI
A standard rule of thumb I have always used, is about 10PSI per 1000RPM. Up to whatever the bypass pressure of the pump is set to. (generally 60-80 PSI, depending on application) If you have less than ten pounds at idle, you have a problem. If you are pegging out the gauge at higher RPM, you have a problem. Anything in between is ok.
I once had a honda accord, that the bypass valve failed in...... It would INSTANTLY blow oil filters apart. Give them a nice spherical shape too..... your pump is MORE than capable of supplying a hell of a lot more pressure than your engine needs.
If it isn't, you need to find out why.
I once had a honda accord, that the bypass valve failed in...... It would INSTANTLY blow oil filters apart. Give them a nice spherical shape too..... your pump is MORE than capable of supplying a hell of a lot more pressure than your engine needs.
If it isn't, you need to find out why.