Nissan 370Z Forum

Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)
-   Engine & Drivetrain (http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivetrain/)
-   -   Low Oil Pressure (http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivetrain/136807-low-oil-pressure.html)

Ben370 10-17-2021 03:27 PM

Low Oil Pressure
 
I just changed my oil so I figured I check the pressure just in case. It starts at 20psi and works its way to 12, and that's before it even warms up.
I guess that explains the revs dropping a bit while idling at lights occasionally.

Besides going straight to oil gallery gaskets, what else could it be? No leaks found and oil was at the high mark.
128k miles btw

Rusty 10-17-2021 06:51 PM

12 psi is LOW. Here's a thread on oil pressures.

http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivet...ure-gauge.html

Ben370 10-17-2021 07:02 PM

Yeah I already knew it's super low just wanted to know what to check first.

I made a tee fitting quick disconnect so I could add a gauge inside the car later on. Hooked up the gauge and it was 12 psi at idle while still warming up.

Dreadnaught 10-18-2021 02:10 AM

Anybody know what the factory workshop manual states what oil pressure should be per their test rpm, oil weight and temperature? Just asking.

Ben370 10-18-2021 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreadnaught (Post 4011488)
Anybody know what the factory workshop manual states what oil pressure should be per their test rpm, oil weight and temperature? Just asking.

On page LU-13
At 176F: 14psi+ idle, 43psi+ 2k rpm
Obviously 5W-30 is Nissan's recommended weight, which I use.

And it says pressure is higher when cold, so mine is really bad since it was 12psi at 140F.

I just want to know how to troubleshoot this to be certain it's the gallery or not. Compression test maybe?

Spooler 10-18-2021 08:36 AM

You have an 09, it is the galley gaskets. Get it fixed before you cause major damage.

Ben370 10-18-2021 09:44 AM

So Z1 gallery gasket kit, timing kit including tensioners, timing seal kit, water pump, and thermostat? Anything else I should change while I'm in there? Serpentine belt, tensioner and AC compressor are already recently replaced.

https://i.postimg.cc/m2j7BJcN/Screen...556-Chrome.jpg

Spooler 10-18-2021 10:16 AM

Yes, there is a bolt upgrade for the galley gaskets. I don't remember who makes it.

Ben370 10-18-2021 10:50 AM

Z1 makes it and it's in my cart. Thanks

JARblue 10-18-2021 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spooler (Post 4011510)
yes, there is a bolt upgrade for the galley gaskets. I don't remember who makes it.

EPS kit has the best bolts.

Dreadnaught 10-18-2021 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben370 (Post 4011499)
On page LU-13
At 176F: 14psi+ idle, 43psi+ 2k rpm
Obviously 5W-30 is Nissan's recommended weight, which I use.

And it says pressure is higher when cold, so mine is really bad since it was 12psi at 140F.

I just want to know how to troubleshoot this to be certain it's the gallery or not. Compression test maybe?

Since you verified low oil pressure per the workshop manual you should start by either draining the engine oil to see if either oil galley gasket material comes out and bearing material. Bearing material would be a great sign of damage to the crankshaft and cylinder walls due to lack or lubrication.

If you don't see gasket material or sparklys, take the lower oil pan off too see if gasket material is at the entry to the oil pickup tube. The pickup tube has a screen so large debris will not get sucked up. These would be the easiest ways to check for bearing material.

Now, if you still don't see galley gasket material, you will have to take the front cover off to see what you find.

Ben370 10-18-2021 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreadnaught (Post 4011536)
Since you verified low oil pressure per the workshop manual you should start by either draining the engine oil to see if either oil galley gasket material comes out and bearing material. Bearing material would be a great sign of damage to the crankshaft and cylinder walls due to lack or lubrication.

If you don't see gasket material or sparklys, take the lower oil pan off too see if gasket material is at the entry to the oil pickup tube. The pickup tube has a screen so large debris will not get sucked up. These would be the easiest ways to check for bearing material.

Now, if you still don't see galley gasket material, you will have to take the front cover off to see what you find.

When I drained my oil, it was fine. Normal contaminant free dark brown used oil. I have a magnetic plug and nothing on there or in the filter. I'm just going to assume loose gallery screws and worn cheap gasket.

JARblue 10-18-2021 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben370 (Post 4011540)
When I drained my oil, it was fine. Normal contaminant free dark brown used oil. I have a magnetic plug and nothing on there or in the filter. I'm just going to assume loose gallery screws and worn cheap gasket.

I found bits of gasket at the bottom of my oil pan when I removed it. They were big enough there's no way they would have drained out during a normal oil change. You're probably correct that the screws are loose and/or the gasket has deteriorated enough to cause your issue.

Rusty 10-18-2021 01:29 PM

The gasket may have ripped and pushed out some. Not enough to end up in the pan. Someone had posted a picture of this a while back.

When installing the new gaskets and screws. When finished tightening up all the screws. Take a center punch and put a dimple on the edge of the screw in 2 places. This will keep the screw from backing out.

Ben370 10-18-2021 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty (Post 4011550)
The gasket may have ripped and pushed out some. Not enough to end up in the pan. Someone had posted a picture of this a while back.

When installing the new gaskets and screws. When finished tightening up all the screws. Take a center punch and put a dimple on the edge of the screw in 2 places. This will keep the screw from backing out.

I'll make sure to pass that along to the mechanic doing the job. This is too big of a job for me so I'll gladly pay the labor.

JARblue 10-18-2021 02:31 PM

Here's what mine looked like

http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...ml#post3953719

Ben370 10-18-2021 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue (Post 4011555)

Yikes hopefully mine isn't as bad as that. Those guys were making it sound like your engine was gonna blow even after the gasket change. As long as there's no metal pieces in the oil, I'm pretty sure we should be good for while.

Tractionless 10-29-2021 08:41 AM

Get the galley gaskets in yet? Interested in what the new pressure is.

Ben370 10-30-2021 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractionless (Post 4012400)
Get the galley gaskets in yet? Interested in what the new pressure is.

I ordered the EPS gaskets and OEM timing kit from Z1 on Tuesday. Z1 delivery got pushed from Monday to Wednesday and looks like EPS hasn't even shipped yet.
Asked EPS for an update. Might cancel and overnight it from Nisformance

Tractionless 11-08-2021 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben370 (Post 4012494)
I ordered the EPS gaskets and OEM timing kit from Z1 on Tuesday. Z1 delivery got pushed from Monday to Wednesday and looks like EPS hasn't even shipped yet.
Asked EPS for an update. Might cancel and overnight it from Nisformance

Thanks please update the thread with your final results. :tup:

Ben370 11-09-2021 05:34 PM

Gaskets were blown as expected. I was too busy to make it to the shop for pics though. Timing chains were nice and tight but it was open anyway so I had them pull rocker covers and plenum to do all 3, bringing my labor cost from 1700 to 2400. Should be done tomorrow.

Edit: mechanic took a pic and part of the bigger gasket was broken and you could see the brown marks where it was seeping through.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:53 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2