Normal Oil Pressure
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Milford MI
Normal Oil Pressure
In order to reach the full mark on the ^%$#$ dip-stick on my 2001 Vert, I had to put 7 qts of oil in. Now my oil pressure is at 40 for normal driving & jumps to 45/48 when I get on it. Is this normal oil pressure?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 339
Likes: 2
From: West Hartford, CT, USA
Re: Normal Oil Pressure (C5Ken)
Sounds pretty normal to me.
I just had this discussion with someone who's an expert in this area. Here's what I remember from that conversation.
Oil pressure is resistance to flow, measured in most of today's cars by some form of electronic sensor. Oil is picked up out of the pan by the pump, sent through the filter, then pumped down main galleys to the crank main bearings, rod bearings and by other avenues up to the valve train. Typically the pump is designed to pump more oil than the engine needs to be properly lubricated. Any excess oil over what's needed returns to the pan via some form of bypass valve. As the engine spins faster, the pressure increases slightly since the pump's output is higher. But most of the extra oil volume is used to provide more oil to the relevant parts.
If the pressure were to keep increasing, it's a sign the greater supply volume is not finding its way into the vital engine parts that need it. Bad news!
The extra 1/2 quart won't likely overfill the pan which could either cause the crank to spin in the oil or slosh over the sides of any windage tray/baffles when you rocket around some corner under heavy g-load.
Count your blessings; sounds like your car is behaving just like it should.
I just had this discussion with someone who's an expert in this area. Here's what I remember from that conversation.
Oil pressure is resistance to flow, measured in most of today's cars by some form of electronic sensor. Oil is picked up out of the pan by the pump, sent through the filter, then pumped down main galleys to the crank main bearings, rod bearings and by other avenues up to the valve train. Typically the pump is designed to pump more oil than the engine needs to be properly lubricated. Any excess oil over what's needed returns to the pan via some form of bypass valve. As the engine spins faster, the pressure increases slightly since the pump's output is higher. But most of the extra oil volume is used to provide more oil to the relevant parts.
If the pressure were to keep increasing, it's a sign the greater supply volume is not finding its way into the vital engine parts that need it. Bad news!
The extra 1/2 quart won't likely overfill the pan which could either cause the crank to spin in the oil or slosh over the sides of any windage tray/baffles when you rocket around some corner under heavy g-load.
Count your blessings; sounds like your car is behaving just like it should.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Dublin Ca.
Re: Normal Oil Pressure (C5Ken)
57K miles, Hot Idle 28 cuise (auto) is 33-38 and on the pipe abiut 47-51 (51 only once in a while and and when oil is less then 200 Degrees., 5w-30W Mobile 1 with Mobile 1 filter of course.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Milford MI
Re: Normal Oil Pressure (chuckoc)
Thanks for the feedback. Looks like things are normal with oil pressure in the 40 - 50 range. One more concern; after filling to 7 qts. the car sat for several days. When I started it, a large cloud of smoke (looked like oil burning) came out of it. Went on a 600 mile trip & the oil level remained at the full mark. What do you think caused the cloud of smoke at initial startup?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: Normal Oil Pressure (C5Ken)
The question about 6.5 or 7 quarts was tossed around in the "General" discussion area as well. Most concluded that the 2001s require 7 quarts if the oil if properly drained (back-end lifted higher than the front end). Since most dealerships keep the car level, 6.5 is probably the most they can add without going past the "full" mark on the dipstick.
I doubt you'll continue to see the cloud of smoke - it's probably nothing to worry about.
I doubt you'll continue to see the cloud of smoke - it's probably nothing to worry about.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Dublin Ca.
Re: Normal Oil Pressure (C5Ken)
The Puff of smoke is usually caused by oil getting past the valve seals, you might have had some oil get past a seal when engine was off and oil was hot and thin and got in to the combustion chamber and a few drops will smoke pretty good, at least that is what it has been in the past on Chevy's. as I recall they put out a service bulletin back in the 90's on LB9 and L98 Engines (IROC, Corvette's etc..)
