C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

1981 Oil Pressure Reading Problems and Fix

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 4, 2018 | 04:48 PM
  #1  
IDPaul's Avatar
IDPaul
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Default 1981 Oil Pressure Reading Problems and Fix

Some of you may recall my posts regarding problems with my oil pressure reading on my 1981 stock Vette.
I want to thank all of you who answered with ideas. Here is the history and a final fix.

Installed a new GM Restoration oil pressure gauge and the new one solved a nagging problem I was having. I was getting varied readings from my factory gauge. At start, it read at about 20psi and after about 3 minutes run time it would jump up to 50-60psi with jerky movements. I tested the circuits and all pointed to the sender as the problem as the gauge passed all of the tests outlined by Willcox Tech Support online. Changed the sender and still the problem was there. Checked ohms output from the sender and actual pressure with a mechanical gauge. All read great. Decided to change out the gauge as the next step, and the work tearing the console and gauge cluster down was well worth it. Fired it up and Problem Solved. Glad I changed the gauge even when it passed the tests. Just want to follow up FYI. While I had the cluster out I changed all of the light bulbs and assorted gaskets.
Thanks again for all your help. It showed me the steps I took to the fix.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2018 | 06:37 PM
  #2  
HeadsU.P.'s Avatar
HeadsU.P.
Le Mans Master
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Default

Smart man changing ALL the dash bulbs while you're at it. Otherwise, the very next day, or night, one bulb would refuse to light. Thats the Murphys Law.
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2018 | 07:25 PM
  #3  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

Originally Posted by IDPaul
Some of you may recall my posts regarding problems with my oil pressure reading on my 1981 stock Vette.
I want to thank all of you who answered with ideas. Here is the history and a final fix.

Installed a new GM Restoration oil pressure gauge and the new one solved a nagging problem I was having. I was getting varied readings from my factory gauge. At start, it read at about 20psi and after about 3 minutes run time it would jump up to 50-60psi with jerky movements. I tested the circuits and all pointed to the sender as the problem as the gauge passed all of the tests outlined by Willcox Tech Support online. Changed the sender and still the problem was there. Checked ohms output from the sender and actual pressure with a mechanical gauge. All read great. Decided to change out the gauge as the next step, and the work tearing the console and gauge cluster down was well worth it. Fired it up and Problem Solved. Glad I changed the gauge even when it passed the tests. Just want to follow up FYI. While I had the cluster out I changed all of the light bulbs and assorted gaskets.
Thanks again for all your help. It showed me the steps I took to the fix.
Yup. Mine did the same thing for 10 years, and I solved it the same way. I believe the dampening fluid drys up and is the cause.
I changed senders 3 times before changing the gauge.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 1981 Oil Pressure Reading Problems and Fix





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:28 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE