Anyone Seen This - Oil Pressure Weirdness?

[tonyhawk]

I have an odd problem that's worrying me; I seem to be getting two very different oil pressure readings.

 

I have fitted a oil pressure gauge using a sandwich plate behind the oil filter, and when the car is warm, the gauge shows about 40psi (give or take), which is fine, but when the engine slows from revving to tickover, the oil pressure light (which is using the standard sensor) flicks on. Odd.

 

I know the gauge is going to be slower to react than the warning light, but even when the engine burbles at very low revs before picking up for a while(I'm running high lift cams), the gauge doesn't drop below 10psi, and yet the warning light is on?

 

A few people have said to trust the gauge over the light, but it's still very unnerving to see it come on!

 

Any thoughts?

[geoffvalenti]

First thing is to try a new oil light sensor.

As long as you're sure that the gauge is accurate, it's not too much of a problem, but a working light is easier to spot in sudden oil pressure failure situations and MAY buy you enough time to stop the engine and avoid doing too much damage

[SimonB]

10psi is pretty low oil pressure at tickover. I see more like 20psi at the lowest. I see you've got cams so that would explain it. I expect the stock warning light is set to come on at 15psi or so which normally you would never see.

[Terminator]

Totally agree, check the sensor. The OME item will tell you when you have a problem, so getting this checked should be top priority.

[tonyhawk]

Cheers guys