Low Oil Presure
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Texas
Low Oil Presure
I own a 2010 Grand Sport A6 (LS3 engine). Should I be worried that according to the gauge, when the engine is fully warmed up, registers only about 20-22 psi of oil pressure at idle? -Clark
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 5
From: Ambler Pa.
That's within spec's, A 160* stat and a fan temp adj. will bump it up to around 28 to 32 psi. You can also mix your oil at the next change , 2 or 3 qts. of 10-40 and the balance of the fill with 5-30 , will give you a boost in pressure. Don't loose any sleep over it , 20 to 22 psi is adequate .
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,738
Likes: 10
From: Austin, Texas
20-22psi, if the oil is 200 degrees or higher, is fine. Our 2008 A6, was going as low as 9psi at idle, so we had GM replace the oil pump. Believe it, or not, 9psi is within the minimum spec, which I think is 6psi. After having the pump replaced the minimum pressure is in the 27-29psi range when hot.
There are a few threads about this same topic which state that there could be a problem with a pressure relief valve in the pump sticking open, when hot. I think this is what was happening with ours.
Also, there is a pressure relief valve in the oil filter itself, which have also been known to stick open. So if you are concerned you might try swapping the filter. Easy and inexpensive to do.
There are a few threads about this same topic which state that there could be a problem with a pressure relief valve in the pump sticking open, when hot. I think this is what was happening with ours.
Also, there is a pressure relief valve in the oil filter itself, which have also been known to stick open. So if you are concerned you might try swapping the filter. Easy and inexpensive to do.
Last edited by roscoe118; Nov 15, 2011 at 08:44 AM.
