[SOLVED] Oil gauge rests at 0 when idling, returns to normal while increasing RMPs.

[Supahawk01]

Basically exactly what is happening in this video,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZvwwJ2KgBU

I'm going to try replacing what he did, but in the mean time, you guys have any other ideas?

4.6L V8 Ford Mustang GT

 

[ElectrO_90]

the course of low oil pressure is normally lack of oil, right?

 

[bignastyid]

the course of low oil pressure is normally lack of oil, right?

There are many possible causes. Worn out bearings, oil pump issues, old oil or oil with too low of a viscosity.

 

[dvo]

my 89 trans am does the same thing wit the oil pressure gauge. in my situation it is caused by two things: one, the engine has worn cam bearings due to having close to 300,000 miles on it. and two, the sensor had been replaced, and the aftermarket sensor is 3 times the depth of the OEM sensor and as a result reads much lower pressures all-around. I began putting 10w-40 in it a number of years ago which helps greatly with the worn cam bearings and brought pressure up a fair bit. pretty much just waiting for my engine to die at this point, but it just keeps going. runs great.

all that said, it very likely could just be a bad sensor, especially if the engine is running fine otherwise and isn't making any unusual noises. if it's not the sensor then there's a long list of things it could be, including (as stated before me) oil pump, low oil, old/thin oil, bad bearings, etc.

 

[ElectrO_90]

Of course theres a plethora of problems that it can be, but the simplest one is to check the oil level is where it should be. Also make sure it's an original dipstick as people put anything in old cars and it's never the correct length.

Only true way is to attach a proper pressure guage like this - https://youtu.be/7nIJt-M5iHc?t=198

 

[phaelax]

With any luck, it's just a sensor. But first thing you should check is your oil level.

I had a similar issue before where my oil pressure would drop when idle. Not to 0 but would fall about 10 psi or so. Never figured out what caused it, didn't have a chance to. Had a catastrophic engine failure that left the rods bent, cam disintegrated, broken connecting rod wedged into the cylinder wall and a damaged crank shaft.

 

[Supahawk01]

I know this way old, but it ended up being the oil sensor.