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oil pressure at 31 pounds at idle normal?

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Old 02-26-2006, 11:07 PM
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Z51 6spd
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Default oil pressure at 31 pounds at idle normal?

I'm really worried about the oil pressure being only 31 pounds at idle, the car is 3 days old 06 Z51 6spd. Is this normal? thanks
Old 02-27-2006, 12:45 AM
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Mocoso
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it is on mine... if yer worried check the oil level.. at and around 2500 rpms it maybe hits 40 lbs.. mine will actually drop below 30 at times... depends on weather, engine temp, etc... 31 at idle isnt out of norm
Old 02-27-2006, 12:51 AM
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d_bravo33
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That's always been normal for my '96 LT4, but when I got it 10 years ago I was concerned. Never had a problem. I'll be picking up a C6 MN6 Z51 at NCM in a few weeks. I'll ask the source (Kevin) if it's still the same.
Old 02-27-2006, 12:58 AM
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NORTY
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Mine hasn't gotten below 46 psi. I have seen it at 79 when cold and @ 2000 rpm...
Old 02-27-2006, 07:51 AM
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EuroRod
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I think GM got away from the high pressure oil pumps when they designed the LT generation of engines. I know the LS engines seem "low" compared to hi-performance engines of the past. They are hi-volumn though.
Old 02-27-2006, 09:47 AM
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30 lbs is about what my 05 C6 runs at idle after the engine is warmed up.
Old 02-27-2006, 11:26 AM
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Z51 6spd
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thanks for posting guys I was worried about it
Old 02-27-2006, 12:57 PM
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JmpnJckFlsh
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Engine oil pumps are typically gear pumps, and for this type pump, volume and pressure are proportional to speed assuming a fixed orifice (bearing clearances, etc.) on the outlet. You will have less oil pressure at idle than you do at higher rpm...it's the nature of the beast.

At idle, 30 psi is normal...when it begins to drop well below that level, it generally means the rotor end clearances are worn in the oil pump or the bearing clearances are opening up. Don't expect to see this happen unless you have really not maintained the engine, or 150K+ miles have been accumulated. Begin to worry when/if your oil pressure is down around 15 psi or less.
Old 02-27-2006, 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by JmpnJckFlsh
Engine oil pumps are typically gear pumps, and for this type pump, volume and pressure are proportional to speed assuming a fixed orifice (bearing clearances, etc.) on the outlet. You will have less oil pressure at idle than you do at higher rpm...it's the nature of the beast.

At idle, 30 psi is normal...when it begins to drop well below that level, it generally means the rotor end clearances are worn in the oil pump or the bearing clearances are opening up. Don't expect to see this happen unless you have really not maintained the engine, or 150K+ miles have been accumulated. Begin to worry when/if your oil pressure is down around 15 psi or less.
Old 02-27-2006, 09:56 PM
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Z51 6spd
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thanks again

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