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1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase

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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 07:59 AM
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Default 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase

I've just done the first oil and filter change now that I've racked up 3,000 miles. For those who are keeping count it took 7 quarts to reach halfway on the dipstick. What I really noticed was that the oil pressure gauge shows an increase of 25% at all speeds.

From new, factory filled, the pressure when cruising at 75 in 6th was about 38-40psi, now it shows 49-51psi and goes up over 60psi when accelerating. I have used proper US Spec Mobil 1 5W30 and a Gold UPF44 filter. I felt that the original pressure was a little low so I'm not worried (but do tell me if I should be !). I've seen oil pressure drop as the oil degrades over time but up to the time of this change I had not seen a drop or any other change since day one of ownership. Anyone have any ideas ? :confused:
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 08:47 AM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (te51cle)

It is very common to see a pressure increase after the first oil change. Not sure why but was the case for my 01' and for many of my friends.
Some theorize factory filter design. Who cares, I think it's a good thing :cheers:
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 09:01 AM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (te51cle)

I thought I was imagining this until I read your post. I too, thought my oil pressure was higher lately, and yes, it was after my first oil change, and hasn't change since my second oil change.

Also, I drove out to California and one the way back, discovered I had used a quart of oil. I was told this was normal. Is that true? I check my oil regularly now.

Wish I had an answer for you, but I noticed it too. Thanks for posting it. Now I know I'm not crazy.
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 09:10 AM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (WorldofOutlaws)

yes it happened to me too!

An increase in pressure would mean that the new filter is more restrictive then the factory filter, or that the new oil was thicker?

Anyway I was happy since I thought the factory pressure seemed low.
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 10:11 AM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (te51cle)

I experienced this also. After the 1st oil change my pressure jumped 10-12 psi across the board. Not sure why, but i'm not complaining. I have read of this happening many times before to members on this forum.
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 12:25 PM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (Timz06)

Thanks for your replies guys, it's nice to know I'm (comparatively :hat !) normal. It certainly makes me wonder if the Mobil 1 they use in the factory is the same Mobil 1 we buy in the shops. In the UK Mobil 1 comes as a 0W40 only, 5W30 has to be specially imported.

My oil consumption was zero in the first 3000 miles - verified because it needed a big bucket to catch all the old oil coming out of the sump ! World of Outlaws you don't say what year your car was or how far you drove. Some of the 01's had a piston ring problem that caused high consumption, if it is 1,000 miles per quart you might want to take it to a dealer and have it looked at. My US geography isn't that good but I'd say that a return trip from Kansas to California was about 4,000 miles in which case 1 quart consumed doesn't sound too bad. A lot of people here would change their oil every 3-5,000 miles anyway so any oil lost wouldn't be topped as the whole lot would be replaced at that time.
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 12:59 PM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (te51cle)

Same thing happened to me as well, with my first oil change. I thought that I noticed a SOTP decrease in power as well. The pressure has remained up after all further oil changes. Shouldn't be a problem.

Michael
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 01:56 PM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (gasman29)

Mine (02 coupe) idles at 17 psi. Only 1880 miles on it. Does AC Delco make that oil filter?
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 02:25 PM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (TA Jack)

Mine idled that low until the first oil change as well. Then after I changed the oil, and used the AC Delco Ultraguard Gold UPF44 filter, the idle pressure went up to around 23-24. Most of the C5 owners on this board use the UPF44. AC Delco stopped making the entire line of Ultraguard Gold filters last fall, but they brought back the UPF44 because so many of us complained. You can get them from some of the forum venders, just check out the mall. Hope this helps.
Michael
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 02:28 PM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (te51cle)

Common experience. I think the factory fill is with 0-30 Mobil 1. The PF filter may be a little less restrictive than the UPS version too. :)
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 03:56 PM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (te51cle)

I do have a 2001, aren't I lucky. And I had to get oil on the way back, so at about 3000 miles into the trip. I need a bit over a quart, but not quite 2 qts.

I'll keep and eye on and mention it to my Chevy service manger. I'm lucky there. I even have his home and cell phone number. We go way back.

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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 06:46 PM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (WorldofOutlaws)

Where is the oil pressure measured at? I would hope its after the filter so that it reflects the pressure at the bearings. So higher pressure would imply that the new filter is less restrictive than the old one. This could be due to the old one gradually getting more restrictive as it filters out particles or the new filter is a more efficient design.

- Mark
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 07:07 PM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (Mark VerMurlen)

Well, it seems that there isn't anything to worry about relate to the oil pressure.

My only concern now is oil consumption.
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 07:33 PM
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Default Re: 1st Oil Change => Pressure Increase (WorldofOutlaws)

The UPF filter has a lower pressure drop across the media then the PF version does (UPF is less restrictive then the PF). It is also lower then most other filters. If the pressure sensor is reading after the filter, then this would make sense.
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