oil pressure problem
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 3
From: Citrus Heights California
oil pressure problem
My oil pressure has been all over the place lately. It drops to 0 when I floor it. It will jump from 30 to 60 and back down. I just started it and it said 0. I gave it a little gas and it went to 10. I shut it down. Any guesses as to what's wrong?
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
No way to make a "guess" until you verify if you have a gauge or an engine problem. Hook up a mechanical gauge and verify that you actually have an oil pressure and not a gauge problem. If it's an oil pressure problem, the first thing I'd check would be a filter obstruction. Not likely but possible. Next drop the pan and I would expect there to be a good chance of debris in the pick-up screen.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 416
Likes: 2
From: Aquilla TX
No way to make a "guess" until you verify if you have a gauge or an engine problem. Hook up a mechanical gauge and verify that you actually have an oil pressure and not a gauge problem. If it's an oil pressure problem, the first thing I'd check would be a filter obstruction. Not likely but possible. Next drop the pan and I would expect there to be a good chance of debris in the pick-up screen.
CRUIZER
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 3
From: Citrus Heights California
my guess would be there is oil pressure. The gauge has been eratic for awhile. I have noticed that when I drive it hard the gromet in the drivers side valve cover comes loose and a litlle oil will shoot on the valve covers. I guess oil is getting to the top of the engine. How do I check for oil pressure? Where is the sending unit? It's not a Fram it's a Napa.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 3
From: Citrus Heights California
I just started it again. The oil pressure went right to 20 and held steady. I took it for a ride, it was reading nomal oil pressure. A couple of times it went wild with numbers jumping between 0 and 65. This happened after I let off the gas. I think it's the sensor. I ordered one from Eckler's.
Last edited by Kool88vette; Apr 16, 2007 at 11:27 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
To verify the reading of an oil pressure sensor/gauge, one practice is
to attach a mechanically activated gauge that is known to be good.
My vote is that if the car can be raised, the port above the oil filter
(where the temperature sensor is) is easier to access for testing than
the port for the pressure sensor.
The OEM pressure sensor is mounted at the back of the engine. There is a
fitting that rises up from the rear of the block just to the left (driver's)
side of the distributor. The sensor threads into this. On my '89, there
is one dual-function sensor assembly - some other years have two single-function
units.
In my case, the distributor was removed for better access to the
pressure sensor fitting. Replacement fittings are difficult to obtain if
the existing one is damaged.
.
to attach a mechanically activated gauge that is known to be good.
My vote is that if the car can be raised, the port above the oil filter
(where the temperature sensor is) is easier to access for testing than
the port for the pressure sensor.
The OEM pressure sensor is mounted at the back of the engine. There is a
fitting that rises up from the rear of the block just to the left (driver's)
side of the distributor. The sensor threads into this. On my '89, there
is one dual-function sensor assembly - some other years have two single-function
units.
In my case, the distributor was removed for better access to the
pressure sensor fitting. Replacement fittings are difficult to obtain if
the existing one is damaged.
.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 3
From: Citrus Heights California
To verify the reading of an oil pressure sensor/gauge, one practice is
to attach a mechanically activated gauge that is known to be good.
My vote is that if the car can be raised, the port above the oil filter
(where the temperature sensor is) is easier to access for testing than
the port for the pressure sensor.
The OEM pressure sensor is mounted at the back of the engine. There is a
fitting that rises up from the rear of the block just to the left (driver's)
side of the distributor. The sensor threads into this. On my '89, there
is one dual-function sensor assembly - some other years have two single-function
units.
In my case, the distributor was removed for better access to the
pressure sensor fitting. Replacement fittings are difficult to obtain if
the existing one is damaged.
.
to attach a mechanically activated gauge that is known to be good.
My vote is that if the car can be raised, the port above the oil filter
(where the temperature sensor is) is easier to access for testing than
the port for the pressure sensor.
The OEM pressure sensor is mounted at the back of the engine. There is a
fitting that rises up from the rear of the block just to the left (driver's)
side of the distributor. The sensor threads into this. On my '89, there
is one dual-function sensor assembly - some other years have two single-function
units.
In my case, the distributor was removed for better access to the
pressure sensor fitting. Replacement fittings are difficult to obtain if
the existing one is damaged.
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
If you don't mind waiting for your part to come from Eckler's that's fine but you could have went to NAPA, got the part and had it installed today. Just because you have a Corvette it doesn't mean you have to buy everything from a Corvette parts supplier. Not knocking Eckler's, just making a point.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 3
From: Citrus Heights California
If you don't mind waiting for your part to come from Eckler's that's fine but you could have went to NAPA, got the part and had it installed today. Just because you have a Corvette it doesn't mean you have to buy everything from a Corvette parts supplier. Not knocking Eckler's, just making a point.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by Kool88vette
Thanks, my Vette is a 88 so I'm sure it's the same as yours. I don't have a lift so I'll just change it. Thanks
RACE ON!!!