C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

High Oil Pressure

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Old Oct 27, 2015 | 12:55 PM
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Default High Oil Pressure

Just had the ECM replaced in my 1985 Corvette and now my oil pressure seems to be running really high. It drops to around 43psi at idle, but when running at a steady speed of around 35-40, it jumps up and down between 55psi and over 80psi. If I am idling it and punch the gas, it jumps to over 80psi. Any thoughts?
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Old Oct 27, 2015 | 01:19 PM
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I would put a t and put real gauge on it and see what it said.
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Old Oct 28, 2015 | 10:49 AM
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80psi is the max reading, when I last hit that it was the sending unit that failed. Sounds like yours has a spotty connector.

You should put a mechanical gauge on and read that.
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Old Oct 31, 2015 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by vader86
80psi is the max reading, when I last hit that it was the sending unit that failed. Sounds like yours has a spotty connector.

You should put a mechanical gauge on and read that.


How/where do put a mechanical gauge on? I am a female trying to get info for my son to help me out..THANKS!!
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Old Oct 31, 2015 | 06:29 PM
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just pull your oil pressure sender and put it there or put a t in so you can have both.
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Old Oct 31, 2015 | 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
just pull your oil pressure sender and put it there or put a t in so you can have both.

Thank you!! What does the gauge look like? We have been told different things and do not want to get the wrong gauge. I have spent so much money on this car in the last few months, I certainly do not want to waste money buying the wrong type of gauge.
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Old Oct 31, 2015 | 06:56 PM
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many differant types make sure it is for oil
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Old Nov 1, 2015 | 01:31 AM
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Unplug the battery and let it start fresh. If it worked normally before I don't think it would break because of an ecm switch
good luck
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Old Nov 5, 2015 | 06:06 AM
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Sorry, I got two threads confused. I need more coffee!!

Good luck!

Last edited by HlhnEast; Nov 5, 2015 at 06:09 AM.
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Old Nov 5, 2015 | 07:04 AM
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Originally Posted by pjweaver
Just had the ECM replaced in my 1985 Corvette and now my oil pressure seems to be running really high. It drops to around 43psi at idle, but when running at a steady speed of around 35-40, it jumps up and down between 55psi and over 80psi. If I am idling it and punch the gas, it jumps to over 80psi. Any thoughts?
I would confirm the connection and probably just spend the money for a new sender for the gauge aspect of the cluster. There are procedures for checking the accuracy and function of the dash gauge/cluster and you could check the sender itself for inconsistency that would explain your what you're seeing.

I'd think the replacing of the sender less expensive than the ADDING of another and certainly less complicated.

Use the orig GM # as a reference at your local auto parts store for a purchase. GM # 14078954.

Yours should have a single spade connector and be somewhat bell-shaped unless it's been changed. The sender uses I believe resistance of 3 to 90 Ohm. If you've a DVM you could check the sender at idle and appropriate greater RPMs and see what the sender is actually producing before removing to replace.

1st though - the ECM has nothing to do with the oil pressure gauge at the cluster - NOTHING - If the car runs the ECM I guess you could say is doing the greater part of it's job.

Last edited by WVZR-1; Nov 5, 2015 at 07:24 AM.
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Old Nov 6, 2015 | 12:48 AM
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For reference purposes, this is what the oil pressure switch and sender look like. Located behind the distributor. The oil pressure sender is the large diameter part with the single wire attached:


Last edited by Cliff Harris; Nov 6, 2015 at 12:49 AM. Reason: Corrected grammatical error.
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Old Nov 10, 2015 | 11:43 AM
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I with Cliff on this. Most likely the sender is going flaky. But I might also ,on an a chance, replace the oil filter. It's unusual, but a blocked filter can cause high pressure (via the bypass). Filter change is very cheap and easy. Although not as cheap as checking the sender with a Digital Volt Meter
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Old Nov 10, 2015 | 02:06 PM
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A few questions come up

Was it working before ecm switch
Why did you switch ecm
Did you clean EMC connectors with electrical cleaner if they were exposed they could be dirty.
Who changed ecm
Good luck
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