How To Check Oil Pressure -EricTheCarGuy

[@juandet313]

Every time I have a question I just search KZbin and boom Eric the car guy with the answer. Thx dude 👌🏽💯

[@m.b.smoshitoa8325]

me too. hahaha

[@bonneylakedonner]

You are the man eric! and we appreciate you. I recommended your videos to many of my coworkers in seattle wa at a concrete mixer company. I'm a self-taught mechanic and you've taught me a lot thank you

[@richardflorczak2122]

Learned a lot from your video as usual. Have a scenario that stretches this a bit, however. I have a temporary vehicle that is a pain; Lincoln 2009 MKZ. Out of the blue, driving along at the speed limit of 75mph on a highway at dark with an air temp of about 40F. Oil light suddenly comes on red and disappears in a long 20-30 seconds with no other symptoms or change in performance. I started to look for exits and gas stations and watched as without apparent reason the light would come on for seconds and go out intermittently. Got off the next gas station exit, shut the engine down immediately, and checked the after-market dipstick that came with this car 4 months ago to see that the oil might be on the bottom end of normal range. I bought the only 5-20 oil they had which was one quart of full synthetic that looked 10 yrs old and cost $15. Put the quart in and it was hard to tell that the oil volume increased. Got back on the highway and the intermittent light did come back but only flicked on and went off quickly. Stopped at the next exit 7 miles away that had a Walmart, bought a quart of Marvel Mystery Oil, having some differential diagnosis possibilities going through my mind. The dipstick still didn’t seem to show the change even though it should have too much oil at this point. 50 minutes later, I am in the driveway with no further oil lights. Spent the past two days deciding how I could afford to confirm my oil light issue, troubleshoot my intermittent burning oil smell that comes and goes for 4 months since I bought the car even after a good oil change, and how to trouble some occasional engine sluggishness I believe might be related to bad spark. Two days later with minimal trips back and forth to the stores, the light comes on and I rush home frustrated. It is very intermittent and may be hard to catch in the driveway with a manual gauge, plus there is nothing easy to access on this engine design. To further complicate, this vehicle had front end damage, wiring looks redneck DIY in some areas (loose wiring harnesses wrapped in brown electrical tape and mods for sound systems that I removed as best I could immediately), had a bad alternator last month that was replaced new but the battery light will not turn off since (so, possibly bad wiring or computer or dash light), and I drive this vehicle up to 200-300 miles a day when I am working with lots of long miles (1-2 hr drives followed by hours of shorter trips with stops with engine off for 10-15 minutes). Any thoughts, suggestions, or just feedback is appreciated, as I start looking to order a new sending unit, get the oil and filter completely changed and filled to factory, and try to change my spark plugs while I am under there, if I can get to the back three LOL. TY for sharing your knowledge!

[@richardthompson2606]

A lot of people can take lessons from this on how to produce concise, effective and informative videos. Well done! And thank you. I`m off to find the problem, gauge or sender or (yikes) no pressure.

[@brigmill]

It's really cool that you post these videos. I wish there was a mechanic I could trust in my area so I wouldn't have to figure out how to do all of this myself.

[@joeyf6133]

This is incredible i am trying to find out to do this on a 79 mustang 5.0 and here you are working on a ford. Couldnt be more helpful.

[@togodbetheglory9725]

the thing i love from your videos is the patience you have when talking.

[@usmale47374]

A very useful video for most do-it-yourselfers, and I liked your use of a $15.99 oil pressure testing guage. Many of your viewers are forced to rely on similar, inexpensive tools like this. In many cases they do the job just as well as their expensive counterparts.

[@omchunter6988]

You would make an excellent tech school instructor. You have real working knowledge along with what I call theory or book knowledge. Awesome channel and very educational to anyone that's interested.

[@hyylo]

+Redneck Mechanic hi. Sorry to ask you but could you help me with this question? What does it mean if you have oil leaking from your Oil Pressure Switch. i have a Vauxhall Corsa 1998 (1.2 petrol engine). It leaks when the engine is turned on.

[@robertramirez3994]

Eric thank you very much for all your videos. I feel as though I"m at a killer auto tech school. You're awesome brother.

[@Jack-Surreal_Panes]

After 3 years my replaced sensor acted up immediatly after an oil change, 2 changes ago. Worked fine, stayed right at mid 40s. Changed oil from 10 30 Rotella mobile filter to gray tough fram amd valvoline high mileage. Guage went right to 80 and stayed. Ran great though. Changed oil 4500 later. went T5 Rotella synthetic. Now the guage moves back and forth 0 to 80 to 40, light goes on and off. When I did the change I put a new sensor in and went right to 0, check light. Cheap sensor because the plastic pulled off so used the old one. I tried flushing the channel hole, changed filter, refilled level. I finally bought a tester, right to mid 40s despite the guage saying 0 light, 80, 0 again. I will get another sensor but wonder if there is a possible electrical issue? I do know the 200,000 jeep 4.0 does show its issues and judging by the erratic guage sure bearings going but movement stays 42-46, not 30s to 50s up and down movement. maybe find a way to bypass the guage and add a simple guage inside seperate? Heck, can keep the test guage hooked up drill a hole the fire wall and run that sucker thru it. LOL

[@BillBerkan]

Thanks. I'm thinking about getting one for my 18 mdx. I'm on the list just released for a recall of 250,-000- Honda/acura engines (v6). Problem is incorrect big end bearing/journal clearances. An inside gauge may help me avoid a mess as acura says the parts will not be available until Apr 24. Applies to 16-19 model years. Great video. Thank you.

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

Great info here on what creates oil pressure, and the good six in this Fairmont. I noticed an abrupt increase in pressure, from about 35psi to 39 psi. This could be loose sludge in the oil galley that partially clogs the oil relief valve, then breaks away.. or getting past the filter.. just a guess. I had a '78 Fairmont wagon with the six, high mileage, and neglected by the previous owner. Despite a few oil changes, and then driving it 2300 miles from Idaho to NY, the engine developed a rod knock just as I pulled into a filling station. I had 200 miles to go, doubted that the car would make it. Upon re-starting the engine, the knock was gone. It never returned, not a spun bearing. It must have been oil detergents dissolving sludge in the system, that partially restricted oil to the rod. then somehow worked through.

[@tsimms561]

Thank you Eric for this knowledge about testing oil pressure!!!!

[@jarinwilson9539]

Oil pressure is the result of restriction to the outlet of the pump. Not only do bearing tolerances dictate oil pressure but the oil pressure relief valve is a huge player. Low oil pressure does not necessarily mean bearing clearances are excessive. A weak spring inside the oil pressure relief valve can also cause low oil pressure. Now of course, if the vehicle continues to be used with low oil pressure, top end engine problems generally follow suit. It only gets worse from there. We all know as techs that some engines had notorious issues with oil feed/return holes becoming plugged up(change your oil at the specified intervals) I rarely see oil sending units going bad, and when they do, they generally leak internally(oil in the connector) Oil pressure can also lead to fuel delivery problems. Think long and hard about that one.

[@williamdomey7584]

I have a 2000 Jeep XJ and the gauge reads 60 at idle then 80 under load. Can I drive the vehicle until I can get a new sender unit. Your videos are awesome.

[@kellismith4329]

Can you use a fuel pressure guage for this ? If you decided to swap the oil pump, wouldn’t you want to check out the bearings first since you be takin the oil pan off anyway ?

[@TorqueEffect]

Yeah, at work all our Chevy full-size vans have a dash gauge. Of course those always have to be taken with a grain of salt. But I do notice a variation between each van (we have like 4 different chevys and 1 ford, the ford doesn't have a gauge) One van has only like 12psi according to the gauge at idle and only has like 120-130k miles on it (2012 model year), but shoots up to just under 40 upon acceleration, all the other vans sit at about 30 idle, and maybe get as high as 50PSI under high engine revs. But my work neglects maintaining these vans oil change wise, I think some vans have gone as much as 15k-20k miles before getting oil changes, and no they don't get synthetic either, and they get shut off and started about 15 times a day.

[@fsatterwhite3]

TorqueEmUp

[@philipgreenwood841]

Great video but no mention of a possible faulty oil pressure relief valve? I know it only comes into play to stop over pressurisation, but can leak and cause low or fluctuating pressure.

[@fernandomacias7481]

ERIC!... MY MAN! I swear theres NO MORE like you out there. TRUE MECHANICS that know THEIR SHIT and Are PROPER mentors. Youve been much HELP. One Question: My DODGE NEON 1997 OIL PRESSURE BLINKING. I WANT TO CHECK THE CARS GUAGE LIKE INSTRUCTED IN THIS VIDEO, BUT I HAVE A BIT OR HUGE PROBLEM. My cars signal lights stopped working and turned off on me and the oil pressure indicator started flashing radiply and my car wont turn on. HOW ELSE CAN I CHECK THE Oil Senor unit

[@romahome007]

i can confirm if you cross thread an oil switch sender in the block your life does indeed turn to mud, lol.

[@eddiemata3now]

😂

[@kn520]

Lol sorry to hear that you experienced this dude, care to tell us the rest of the story? (after you cross-threaded)

[@kn520]

@Sam S For fuck sakes, this just made me cringe, mother of god. Did you get a new crank or housing?

[@johnheckscher7138]

😁😅🤣

[@JoshX9]

Do you think you're gauge was jumping around because the engine vibrations? Instead of you losing pressure somewhere.

[@JoshX9]

Well the engine was shaking around a lot.So i figure maybe he should give it another try holding the gauge in his hand.

[@justinmcquaid9763]

Beat me to it. Was gonna ask the same thing

[@scientist100]

The drop and then up he had was a concern, the vibration is normal from the engine strokes.

[@jessymode]

i have a 2008 grand vitara no oil pressure gauge does this mean oil light or engine light will come on from sensor if it is low?

[@BoneJaws]

Hey Eric, my oil pressure gauge is reading maxed. I have a 87 chevy k5 blazer. Should I be concerned? Your videos are awesome! Keep up the good work! Thanks.

[@Gold63Beast]

Just replaced inner tie rod...waiting for that video Eric lol. As always love the channel keep up the great work!

[@Gold63Beast]

Oo yea thanks. My bad 😁

[@MrTomcat108]

Nice job Eric can you help pump oil through the oil sender unit to pressurize the engine oil in a ford 5 L engine rather then pulling the distributor I'm shit scared to pull the distributor

[@alexanderbocanegra5906]

What about oil pick up tube? If clogged , will it also effect oil pressure.

[@DWESENTERPRISE]

Hi Eric... can you please help me. So I bought a 06 Chevy Express 3500 6.0. The pressure gauge when I turn the key to position 2 (not starting the van) shows 80 for oil pressure. 80 is the highest. When I start the van, it stay up at 80. Doesn't move. Now, I drove this from LA to San Francisco when I bought it, to get it home. Ran fine. A little shaky at idle. I figured it needs some plugs. I haven't checked them yet. Only had it for 2 weeks. After about a total of 600 miles, the van sounded like knock. Wasn't sure if it was the cargo area. But I exited and checked oil and it looked clean. They said they changed it 300 miles prior to selling..I got it from an auction and it was owned by coke a cola. Picked it up from coke. Their mechanics were telling me this. So when stopped the van and checked around, I turned it back on and it was normal. Drove it home and probably 100 miles after that. No knocking. What should I do? Sorry this is very long. I DIY with my mechanic work so I know some stuff. But man I'm nervous. I paid 3500 for this thing.

[@edwardreichard3852]

I gave an 2015 elantra the sensor is next to the filter, is tgat where I would do the pressure test

[@grngs1]

The bouncing needle can also be from a worn out or cheap guage

[@K03021817]

Is this a 240ci engine? I have a 300 in my truck and i want to check mine and possibly fit a nanual in cab gauge.

[@joemama3191]

just got a blinking oil light on my 91 integra and this will help me check my oil pressure, hopefully it is the sending unit, just got done replacing mine on my truck.

[@CamaroWarrior]

Hi , i have a 1997 Camaro 3.8 V6, and while driving im getting around 40-50psi, but when i stop or idle the niddle drops to around 30 or so BUT it doesn't stay still, it bounces around a bit from like 30 to 35 or so at most but only when stopped, and while driving it doesn't bounce around.... what u think it may be?

[@nateo6806]

Is Inch and a 16th the same as 13/16? Thanks for the video!

[@jmadrox100]

So, can you expand on what else could cause low/loss of pressure? I.e: Gaskets, hoses etc.

[@fenrizwulf6682]

+jmadrox100 a faulty relief valve will also cause oil pressure issues. It's quite common in some engines.

[@robin1987100]

You can check if two threads are identical by trying to interlock them. Unless both diameter and pitch are identical you won't get them to 'mesh' over the length of the thread. The longer they are the clearer it will be. for all sizes used in a car that should work, ofcourse it kind of breaks down when you get to stupidly small sizes like M2.4 M2.5 and M2.6 (which, i think, even share the same pitch). But that doesn't really apply here.

[@tinkersmentality3013]

i just rebuilt a 4.0 i6. new oil pump, pressure sending unit, bearings matched by machine shop that turned the crank. torqued to specifications. drove it 6 mile put gas in and the pressure was lower driving back. Guess i'll be checking the oil pressure with a O P gadge. good video thanks for the explanation.

[@Aut1stman]

At 9:18 the pressure jumps up a little bit. My '86 Corvette does that too when it's warm. Why does this happen? The rpm seems to be steady in both vehicles.

[@Lattertomars]

Does finger tight cause false reading when connecting the pressure gauge?

[@CollosalTrollge]

hi Eric, i have a GM car and the sensor says 0.5 bar on it, how do i read that for example , on your dial in this video.... where would the needle be on your dail....i saw the word bar...but i dont know how to read or where the 0.5 mark is there. Thanks

[@aaronbradley4361]

Imre Csoka 1 bar is atmospheric pressure around 13-14 psi.

[@scrpnkng76]

I have a 92 civic hatchback with a 2000 h22a4 motor. I'm loosing oil pressure after running for a few minutes. What can the problem be and how an I fix it?

[@easyfixed1101]

Erick I have 2008 Chevy suburban my oil gauge dropped to 20psi and then below that in tell the light comes on so I changed the sending unit and the oil pump pot frish oil filter changed all the O ring did everything possible and still get low oil pressure but down to 20 and it go’s up whale driving and it’s no noise on the engine it run so smooth no tapping or nothing like that I’m freaking out I need your help if possible Thanks

[@14thgeorgesstreet15]

Hi , Thanks for yours videos. I'd have a question for you. I have a 2011 Ram 1500 4.7L Not a 5.7L but a 4.7L. At idle which is between 500 to 550 rpm. How much pressure I should read on a mecanical gauge ? I can't find this information here in France an ether on web. Thank you. Regards.

[@jasonebright4720]

Does the oil pressure switch do anything other than detect oil level, does it actually do anything to send oil?

[@janderson4943]

Good job. Shaking may be from the gage sitting on a shaking engine. Put it in your hand.

[@thesetruths1404]

Great video. Just what I was looking for. I have a 98 Pathfinder 3.3L with a similar oil pump. It was an elderly couple's for 20 years. I don't think they used it much. Low miles, 6,000 a year average, and likely wasn't driven hard ever. I think they let oil sit in it and maybe their mechanic put snake oil in it as a sales pitch. There was gummy honey-colored stuff on the refill cap. Something is causing this Pathfinder to knock at startup for 3-4 seconds and then between 1,800 and 3,300 RPM. If coasting between 1800 and 3300, it ceases. I think I caught rod bearing wear early and I replaced them. And checked the mains. Mains were good. Two rods had mild wear. No slack or slope in anything. Metal flakes stopped appearing. But still the knock between those RPM. It runs perfectly, otherwise. And the body and interior is like new. So it's a nice one I'd like to keep long-term. What do you think about this idea? If the oil isn't changed well can the valve system in the pump stick or malfunction and cause oil pressure to be insufficient? The pressure is 100% consistently poor at startup for 3 seconds and under load between 1800 to 3300 RPM. Makes no sense, this loss of pressure at fixed time, other than faulty pump. I know there is also a pan gasket leak at the front and back. I thinned the oil as an experiment to see if pressure/noise changed and oil began quickly dripping from both ends of the oil pan when it was at warm idle. I thinned the oil 50% with motor flush, which is basically kerosene. I drained out two quarts and put in 2 quarts cleaner. So I have to pull the pan anyways to fix those leaks, so might as well pull inspect and replace the pump as well. Also have to check timing as well and swap all those parts as their age is unknown. The pressure problem was present before the leaks were noted. So the big leaks are new and the problem is the exact same. Do you know of a good oil pump replacement video of my motor or very similar? I found a timing kit one, but no oil pump.

[@Jon-dz2cl]

Can your oil pump be on it's way out or broken but still have oil pressure ?

[@fatboyshadetree5139]

So much helpful info. Will the pressure build during cranking?

[@FinsleysCustomCarAudio]

I got a 5.3 that reads 40 psi on dash but on the mechanical oil gauge I got reads 24 psi. Normal? I got it hooked up right above oil filter.

[@shawngarcia3414]

Please help: my gauge is showing 10psi at idle, and stays steady around 40-50 psi under throttle only but goes back down to 10psi at idle. Is this a sign of failed pump? I’m confused

[@insylem]

I had a loss of oil pressure in my 1985 Plymouth Voyager once... It ended up being the chain that drives the oil pump broke. Got it replaced and was good to go!

[@gforcecache]

Eric, I own a '99 corvette, and the sending unit/sensor is inaccessible without removing the intake manifold. Is there another location in the oil system to test pressure?

[@static585]

Okay I have the low oil pressure at warmed up and idle only. I hook up the mechanical gauge and I get 12psi when warmed up. at 1000 rpm 18psi, 2000 rpm 24psi, 4000rpm 26psi So my question its steady does not bounce or jump hoping its not a bearings which I dont hear sounds. I dont know if a leak would cause this or pump. I dont see any old on the ground but there oil around the the timing cover.

[@JRoberts1260]

Good video! I'm diagnosing an oil issue in my 258 Jeep but I'm really digging your Fairmont, there is one here a wagon where I live for 475.00 I'm thinking I might go check it out now. I subbed!

[@creepingdeath9795]

Dude, my family vehicle was a Ford Fairmont when I was growing up. I have no idea what year it was but it was yellow and it was also the only 2 door Fairmont i have ever seen. We would all squeeze in and the younger kids had to sit on the older kids laps, believe it or not. Never wore seat belts either ha ha.

[@03vicBlack]

great video eric, will be using this knowledge in the future. but a small request, if you could make a video on rims/ tires. buying a second set for summer / winter. bolt pattern, offset the whole ( yards like you always do. if you already have one could someone post a link to it for me please?

[@Mike_44]

Can a compression test gauge work to check the oil pressure?

[@howieloso]

Eric... this is a a question on ford Vulcan engine. I am having a head gasket job done on engine soon. Blew gasket- there is coolant in oil. Is it ok to drive vehicle to mechanics ..3 blocks to service shop or should i have it towed or pushed there? I had towed to my place when gasket blew. Maybe i could change oil before i drive there. Don't want to cause more damage or clog things up. The engine has 224000 mile on. the gaskets and machining will cost about 1500$.

[@howieloso]

also...should i have timing chain changed while heads are off?

[@vlasktom]

I have a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. It's got a V6, I forget exactly what size, but the oil pressure's acting strange. When I start it when it's cold, the oil pressure sits around 25 or 30. As it warms up, it steadily drops to about 3 at highway speed, and about 0 at idle. Once it cools down again, it's perfectly fine. What would cause this?

[@JRobert111111]

moparmania74 Cieras only had the 2.5 4 (Iron Duke), the 3100 or 3300. An 87 would have the 3100 which does have known rod bearing issues which could be their problem. The 3300 is much sturdier. I've got a 66 Ford F100 with a 352 with a factory oil gauge and oil light. It has good pressure cold, but when hot and at idle the light turns on and the gauge goes to 0. I replaced both sending units, and the same result. I've read that the Ford FE engines are known for these issues. However, it runs great and has been this way for many years, and just keeps on going and there are absolutely no abnormal noises in the engine, but I do keep my fingers and toes crossed that it'll just hang in there for about, forever.

[@1066gaz]

A worn cambelt can cause the oil pressure needle to wobble because i fitted a new one on and it cured it straight away and was perfectly still after that.

[@jovanidesir6334]

i got 15 psi on a lancer 4g13 engine at warm idle ( ac on ,idle for 30 minutes ,is this safe?) has 10w40 oil

[@michaelriddlebarger1637]

I have a good econoline 150 oil gauge says anywhere from low normal to red zone, sometimes turning it off and letting it sit pots it back into the normal zone again... What does that mean...I thought bearings wore out but then why would it go back to normal... So I guess I should change oil/filter/ pressure unit.. them should I go back with 10w 30 instead of 5w30... Our maybe high synthetic or add Lucas even.. please let me know thanks..

[@scottyfixer452]

Eric I need your help. 02 Xterra 3.3 oil light on oil is clean and at proper level. Changed the sensor that was original with the car. Put new sensor in and light is still on. It’s really dim not bright like. When car is in accessory mode. Tested old sensor and it had no continuity. I broke the old one apart to check insides and it was corroded a bit in contacts cleans the. And now has continuity. Anyway new one is in and still light is on. I thought for sure since the old one was bad that this would fix it. Engine has no knocking or bad sounds. I know I should check pressure with gauge but any advice

[@tracyjarvis7323]

I have a 99 blazer with 4.3. Oil pressure at idle start is about 40. When warm it will drop yo 20 and when on gear it drops even more. I have to rev engine to keep pressure to keep it running. I've also had it jump up a couple times to over 80 and blow out filter. But not for about 6 months. What should I look at. Help

[@justinnigel3822]

Eric please help I have a Holden 304 v8 and I got the oil pressure light on and the engine is shaking and ticking won't rev and one rocker arm isn't moving pretty sure it's for the exhaust valve would this just be from the camshaft being buggered or bottom end? Please help!

[@dssk1023]

At the beginning there was a little bit of oil in the case near the adapter. Was that on purpose, or just some left in the hose leaked out from the last time you used it?

[@massiveyeetage8340]

I have a 94 chevy Cheyenne k1500 qn the gauge inside reads zero an now I have a slight rod knock could that be the oil pump or am I about to just waste more money

[@quickguesswho]

kinda worried now.. i have a mechanical pressure gauge, and when i first start up its a 40, then eventually when the choke turns off and it gets nice and warm... Then at a red light ill notice the pressure drop to like 15-10.. on a hot day will drop to pretty much zero, keep in mind it has a low idle, and a mild cam... im i in trouble or is the idle too low? right when i touch the gas slightly goes back to like 20ish.

[@quickguesswho]

i just paid attention to the pressure gauge more, it looked like zero but its like 7-10

[@volvofreak86]

I have bought an old Volvo 240 with a B23A engine, and about 2 months ago i put in some 10-30w Mobil1 super 2000 semi-synthetic oil in it, i didn't change the filter out at the time but i was thinking another oil change would be good in a few months time and the change the filter aswell, i like to treat my car with the best and i also need a fluid change on the transmission, it's a 4 speed manual with an electric over drive, it works but it has a whine to it so it needs to be done

[@natapo03]

Hey i just did a rebuilt on my f22b1 and im wondering my oil light keeps flashing and then comes on steedy any advice? Everything seems to be normal car while idkes no light but once i take it out for a drive it does it...

[@ThaHandyman1212]

My oil gauge needle read zero and was not moving when I turn on my 1990 Ford F150 5.0 So instead of buying the oil pressure tester I removed the oil pressure switch and turned on the truck and a bunch of oil came out. There was like oil sludge at the tip of the entrance where the switch goes so I figured it was clogged. At least now I know I have oil pressure. My question is do I need to use Teflon tape on the threads or pipe sealant which is better? Thanks Eric like ur videos.

[@R_Arizona]

Eric thanks for the videos. I have a question...I have a 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel. My oil pressure gauge goes low, and then high, then low. A warning came on to pull over and shut off the engine. Did that then started up, got it home. What are the possible problems.

[@ronaldjones4095]

My oil pressure warning light has been flickering off and on for several weeks now. I recently got an oil change and that didn't help. But every time I check the dipstick the oil is at the full mark. I had my oil pressure switch replaced today. On the way home the oil pressure light started flickering again. My question is how long does it usually take for the flickering to stop if the oil pressure sending unit (switch) was the problem?

[@ibcoull]

+Ronald Jones Should be immediately Ronald. Starts to sound like you really do have very low oil pressure [oil light set to come on somewhere below 8 psi.

[@AdammP]

Screwing in those hollow brass fittings always gets me thinking about the mud life. Snapping one of those off wouldn't be the end of the world but a bit of a pain

[@roadyo69]

What about high oil pressure? My granddaughters' 94 Town Car idles at 80 psi and runs at 100 psi, checked with a guage. Can a relief valve screw up?

[@TBooneFisher6931]

Since the gauge is sitting on to of the vibrating engine could some of the shaking in the needle be caused by the engine vibration transmitted to the gauge needle?

[@amommamust]

Just put in a used engine, and a new oil pump. We took off an old strictly mechanical oil pressure gauge, put one on that has electrical wires on it. We can see oil filling the tube to the gauge, but nothing registers on the gauge dial. We even got a second gauge and inttalled it, thinking maybe we got a defective one. We can see oil going in, but NO pressure shows up. Any idea what our problem might be? Thank you!

[@poppie327530]

Eric...I have an '09 CTS....the gauge inside the vehicle fluctuates from 0 - 100...either its on 0 or on 100.....every now and then it rests on 70....would that be the sending unit?

[@aaronbradley4361]

Anthony Hall sounds like a bad sensor

[@stephenlutz123]

Thanks for the video. Very informative. Love the harbor freight guage. I have the same one.

[@dannysa503]

Does doing an oil pressure test with a gauge tells you whether you have a bad or good oil pump? (Assuming that you have a good oil pressure sensor and enough oil) I want test my oil pump while in the car. Thank you very muchoo!

[@MrMaterpc]

From Mexico, thank you sir!

[@21matthewparker]

I have a 2000 for taurus ses with a 3.0 v6, it can take flex fuel and my oil light flickers when i park or maybe slowing down sometimes. Can this be the oil pressure sensor? I am using quaker state 5w30 motor oil.

[@seeradog]

Question Eric . Shouldn't the test hose and gauge by primed with oil prior to hook up ? I'm thinking the air caught between the gauge and fitting might give a fluctuation reading due to air being compressed .

[@drmikeosgood]

Eric, did you purge the air out of the rubber hose line to give the guage a full oil column of oil. the air compression could be adding to the isolation of your guage?! Love your easy-going style and suggestions.

[@MichaelangeloooGaming]

I have a 1991 Camaro z28 that has great oil pressure when I start it but when the vehicle warms up the oil pressure drops drastically when it’s idling. Any advice as to what could be the problem?

[@bravo3541]

Good one car guy. I like these "basic vids".

[@orange12v]

Great job but in this case would engine block vibrations make it's needle bounce?

[@vlasktom]

Possibly, but the needle vibration was slightly out of sync with the block vibrations

[@edgarsstarts7525]

Hi Eric, my oil light comes on, only when I accelerate, when it's stationery I can rew engine as much as I can, it's all good. Any ideas. It's 400 big block

[@joshuabranson74]

Some professional advice if your a novice if you want to get an accurate reading don't set the gauge on top of a idling engine. Hold it in your hand or lay by the wiper blades.

[@rayk6049]

what about when the gauge in the cab is pinned high even with new sender.

[@TheUnknownExplorer666]

So I’m turboing a truck and have no ther place to get oil from block can I use the sensors port as a high pressure line to the turbo

[@ThePrelude1999]

Hey Eric the car guy If you don't mind me asking I got a 2000 Honda Civic I put a old pressure gauge in I put 2 of them (just to make sure) in But I don't know if I'm getting low oil pressure or is it normal I get 10 psi at idle when the car is hot driving it for a hour is that normal for a Honda? The car runs good no issues

[@justsumguy2u]

I was always taught that as a general rule, oil pressure should at least be 10 psi for every 1,000 engine rpm's. More of course is fine. I'm pretty sure Ford wants you to check that hot oil pressure with the car in gear, since it drops the rpm's.

[@rmc5278]

So the gauge should look like the rev gauge ?

[@nandoGdog]

The aftermarket mechanical oil pressure gauge on my small block chevy has read zero for the past 2 years, I figure it has to be the gauge because if I had zero oil pressure my engine would have blown up a LONG time ago.

[@toddweimer7976]

Would a larger inside diameter tube affect oil pressure on the gauge?

[@spelunkerd]

Suppose oil pressure is a little low, and you think it's secondary to reduced resistance from a worn out engine. Is it appropriate to use a higher viscosity oil that will increase resistance and cause measured pressure to rise? Would that make any real difference in engine life?

[@ericthecarguy]

I do not recommend the use of higher viscosity oils. The danger is that on a cold start, the top end gets starved for oil and wear is actually increased.

[@EXOVCDS]

EricTheCarGuy edit - Going to a thicker oil with higher viscosity should not be an issue (cheap way to solve oil pressure issues, until the root cause can be treated) as long as the viscosity is appropriate for the engine operating temperature & climate... like you said, for cold starts, but will for sure help when the engine is warm. Sorry, had to edit my original post. 

[@559caliii]

+EricTheCarGuy where is the oil pressure sender in a 2004 silverado 4.8

[@ericsmith9389]

spelunkerd

[@stinkycheese804]

moparmania - Except you have it half backwards, a modern 30wt oil offers no benefit over 5W-30 except dino oil will be significantly more resistant to breakdown if the engine is overheating. If it is overheating, forget about oil viscosity and fix that problem. Otherwise it's a trade off. You don't want parts banging around from wear, nor excessive oil leakage or burn loss, but as the sludge starts to build up in that old engine, there are areas that will get starved using a thicker oil. In other words it's more of a sneaky way to quiet down an engine to sell the vehicle than a long term solution. Long term it's better to accept that an ancient engine is worth little except on a classic car restoration project, so determine what the rest of the vehicle is worth and whether it deserves a reman engine.

[@sebascc007]

hey erick my 94 izuzu rodeo v6 has a problem with oil pressure. at idle or under 2000 rpm the oil pressure needle in the dash shows 55 psi, but when im over 2k rpm the oil pressure drops about 40 psi. i checked the service manual and it says that above 3000 rpm oil pressure should between 56 and 78 psi, but at that rpm range it drops by 40 psi. what could it be??

[@tigergaming8941]

What does it mean if the needle is bouncing around?

[@streetbobheaven4068]

Good morning, this might be a dumb question but can you use a fuel gauge for a oil pressure gauge or are they not compatible for both uses?

[@GetTheFO]

I would say to use the proper equipment for the job when revolving around vehicles. Not really worth the risk of a mixup

[@williamcrazylacyfurmage9953]

I just installed some Boush Mechanical gauges to my 283 Chevy Sm Block, it has 37 pounds of pressure at start up at 1500 Rpm, Book say should be 38 Pounds at 1500 Rpm. But after warm up, it drops to like 20 pounds? Worn Bearings???