Why is my oil pressure gauge going back and forth?
There are rare mechanical problems that can cause an unsteady oil pressure reading. They usually happen right after an engine has been overhauled. If that sounds like you, then suspect a faulty oil pressure by-pass valve or spring inside the oil pump. Valves stick or can get installed wrong on some engines.
What causes oil pressure gauge?
Barring these types of issues, the most likely cause of a high oil pressure reading is a defective component within the oil pressure sensor/measurement system. Placing an external gauge into the port occupied by the sending unit will let you know if you have high oil pressure, or a defective component.
Should my oil pressure gauge fluctuate?
If everything is working properly, the oil pressure gauge fluctuates … because it’s supposed to! When the engine oil is cold, it’s thicker, so the gauge will show higher pressure at a given RPM. As the engine warms up, so does the oil, and it becomes a bit thinner, so the oil pressure gauge reads a bit lower.
What is engine oil pressure?
In a typical (stock) passenger car engine, the oil pressure is usually between 30 and 40 psi. And that’s sufficient to provide adequate lubrication to the various moving components. But most high performance (or race) engines require 50-60 psi or more for proper lubrication.
Barring these types of issues, the most likely cause of a high oil pressure reading is a defective component within the oil pressure sensor/measurement system. Placing an external gauge into the port occupied by the sending unit will let you know if you have high oil pressure, or a defective component.
If everything is working properly, the oil pressure gauge fluctuates … because it’s supposed to! When the engine oil is cold, it’s thicker, so the gauge will show higher pressure at a given RPM. As the engine warms up, so does the oil, and it becomes a bit thinner, so the oil pressure gauge reads a bit lower.
In a typical (stock) passenger car engine, the oil pressure is usually between 30 and 40 psi. And that’s sufficient to provide adequate lubrication to the various moving components. But most high performance (or race) engines require 50-60 psi or more for proper lubrication.