Low Oil Pressure Observed with a Gauge

rclarkbow · 08-24-2022, 07:33 PM

Hi everyone,

So I installed an AEM oil pressure gauge following this guide:

DIY: Oil Pressure Gauge

Basically the method is to create a three way adapter attached onto the OEM oil pressure sensor (which activates the red oil light on the stock car).

My oil pressure was down to about 13-14 psi at 180 degrees f temp at idle with AC turned off. Nissan states the minimum is 14 psi at this temp, but many members of this forum I've noticed have higher pressure at idle (like 20 plus psi)

So I replaced the gallery gaskets, along with the timing chain and components and a number of other preventative items. I was thinking that worn gallery gaskets were the cause of the issue and needed to be replaced immediately.

After all that the pressure only went up like 1-2 psi and now at idle at 180 degrees I'm just barely hovering around 15, it drops to 10 psi when the car gets pretty hot like 225 degrees f (I have a 34 row oil cooler installed also, but it still gets hot when I track the car).

I'm not sure if this is normal and others are reading from an oil pressure gauge with a different sensor location, or if it was something other than the gallery gaskets causing the pressure.

Interestingly, I had the metal gaskets installed from the factory on my late 2011 build 2012 model car (which forums suggested would be the paper kind until like 2013, I guess it varies). I doubt they've ever been replaced as I bought the car CPO in 2016 with low mileage.

My question is should I do something about upgrading the oil pump gears or possibly something else? My engine is higher mileage (160k) but I've already put so much into insuring the engine is ready for track days and auto cross I want to make sure the oil gear seizing issue doesn't brick the engine after all the money I've already spent on it.

I've also read that it's much more labor efficient to just reach in and replace the gears versus replacing the whole oil pump (front cover alone just has to come off again?)

Any input would be appreciated, I could also just leave it alone and hope for the best, yes I realize I should have done the oil pump gears when I did the gallery gaskets / timing components. Hindsight is 20/20

Rusty · 08-25-2022, 01:50 AM

What weight you you running?

You could shim the oil pressure relieve spring some to boost oil pressure.

rclarkbow · 08-25-2022, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

What weight you you running?

You could shim the oil pressure relieve spring some to boost oil pressure.

5w30 mobil one.

BettyZ · 08-25-2022, 05:50 PM

I run my gauge the same way as you and oil pressure never dropped below 20 regardless of temp. Before you go replacing the pump, try replacing the pressure sensor. Maybe it's faulty.

Averying · 08-25-2022, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BettyZ

I run my gauge the same way as you and oil pressure never dropped below 20 regardless of temp. Before you go replacing the pump, try replacing the pressure sensor. Maybe it's faulty.

Agree that a faulty sensor is a probable culprit here. Down to 10psi when hot is pretty damn low especially since you’re beating on the car at the track. I’d think the motor wouldn’t last too long at those pressures. Def swap the sensor and report back

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SonicVQ · 08-26-2022, 06:19 AM

What is the oil pressure at 2,000 RPM @ 80C/176F?
It should be > 42 PSI.

Z34Hakeem_ · 08-31-2022, 12:10 PM

I wonder the same. I added an Oil Pressure Sensor a couple months ago when I finished my custom Turbo Build. I have been keeping a close eye on Oil Pressure ever since because I have an 09' (Bought it 4 years ago with only 44k Miles on it. Now I'm at 101k). My Oil Pressure is always at 14-16psi at idle when up to testing temp. and the 2k rpms test its always at 43-45psi. I also see people here testing out at higher psi's and wonder about the difference. I do plan to upgrade the gaskets and do the billet gears. But I also see myself within spec so I wanted to hold off till I build the motor so I can do it while I'm there. I don't think anyone has done the work to the motor before me, but you don't know till you're in there.

husam2012 · 08-31-2022, 12:15 PM

If your motor has 160k it would be way smarter to just swap in a low mileage unit. If your gauge is reading correctly then it's most likely due to worn out bearings. I also run 0w40 on all my VQs as it's a better oil than 5w30.

stansens · 09-10-2022, 05:26 PM

I get no lower than 30 psi so I have to agree in that it's likely an oil pump problem, oil galley restriction or pressure relief spring/valve issue. Probably shouldn't run it at low pressure for very long. Hope you find the issue soon.

rclarkbow · 09-11-2022, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonicVQ

What is the oil pressure at 2,000 RPM @ 80C/176F?
It should be > 42 PSI.

Hard to tell exactly, but it was in the range of 45-50 at this temperature when it was about 80 degrees F outside.

08-24-2022, 07:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
rclarkbow Base Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 25 Drives: '12 370Z Touring 6MT Rep Power: 8	Low Oil Pressure Observed with a Gauge (after new gallery gaskets were installed) Hi everyone, So I installed an AEM oil pressure gauge following this guide: DIY: Oil Pressure Gauge Basically the method is to create a three way adapter attached onto the OEM oil pressure sensor (which activates the red oil light on the stock car). My oil pressure was down to about 13-14 psi at 180 degrees f temp at idle with AC turned off. Nissan states the minimum is 14 psi at this temp, but many members of this forum I've noticed have higher pressure at idle (like 20 plus psi) So I replaced the gallery gaskets, along with the timing chain and components and a number of other preventative items. I was thinking that worn gallery gaskets were the cause of the issue and needed to be replaced immediately. After all that the pressure only went up like 1-2 psi and now at idle at 180 degrees I'm just barely hovering around 15, it drops to 10 psi when the car gets pretty hot like 225 degrees f (I have a 34 row oil cooler installed also, but it still gets hot when I track the car). I'm not sure if this is normal and others are reading from an oil pressure gauge with a different sensor location, or if it was something other than the gallery gaskets causing the pressure. Interestingly, I had the metal gaskets installed from the factory on my late 2011 build 2012 model car (which forums suggested would be the paper kind until like 2013, I guess it varies). I doubt they've ever been replaced as I bought the car CPO in 2016 with low mileage. My question is should I do something about upgrading the oil pump gears or possibly something else? My engine is higher mileage (160k) but I've already put so much into insuring the engine is ready for track days and auto cross I want to make sure the oil gear seizing issue doesn't brick the engine after all the money I've already spent on it. I've also read that it's much more labor efficient to just reach in and replace the gears versus replacing the whole oil pump (front cover alone just has to come off again?) Any input would be appreciated, I could also just leave it alone and hope for the best, yes I realize I should have done the oil pump gears when I did the gallery gaskets / timing components. Hindsight is 20/20 BettyZ likes this. Last edited by rclarkbow; 08-25-2022 at 04:49 PM.

08-25-2022, 01:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 34,863 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684436	What weight you you running? You could shim the oil pressure relieve spring some to boost oil pressure. Optimiser likes this. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

08-25-2022, 05:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
BettyZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Chicagoland Age: 37 Posts: 5,261 Drives: A Garage Queen Rep Power: 2684370	I run my gauge the same way as you and oil pressure never dropped below 20 regardless of temp. Before you go replacing the pump, try replacing the pressure sensor. Maybe it's faulty. Optimiser, redondoaveb and Averying like this. __________________ '14 MB Nismo \| Boost Lab 6870 1.32 AR 553 HP / 471 ft.-lbs. Betty Mods

08-31-2022, 12:15 PM	#8 (permalink)
husam2012 Track Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 542 Drives: 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 9469	If your motor has 160k it would be way smarter to just swap in a low mileage unit. If your gauge is reading correctly then it's most likely due to worn out bearings. I also run 0w40 on all my VQs as it's a better oil than 5w30. __________________ Creator of the GTR TT Conversion Kit, NA Record Holder (401WHP) Ecutek Master Tuner (VQ37, VR30, VR38, B58, S55, S58) BTWTuning

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Observed Oil Pressure with a gauge	Rusty	Engine & Drivetrain	21	03-12-2023 02:56 PM
Vls oil pressure gauge	thavent	Engine & Drivetrain	1	01-11-2020 06:52 PM
Oil Pressure Gauge	Rusty	Engine & Drivetrain	10	10-13-2017 05:17 PM
Oil Pressure Gauge	jpit	Exterior & Interior	6	03-07-2010 08:36 PM
What happened to the tire pressure gauge and speedo in the middle gauge cluster?	rbratton	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	33	01-24-2009 10:28 PM

08-26-2022, 06:19 AM	#6 (permalink)
SonicVQ Base Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ontario Posts: 230 Drives: G37 Sport Rep Power: 6720	What is the oil pressure at 2,000 RPM @ 80C/176F? It should be > 42 PSI.

08-31-2022, 12:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
Z34Hakeem_ Base Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Tampa Posts: 6 Drives: 2009 370z Black 7AT Rep Power: 5	I wonder the same. I added an Oil Pressure Sensor a couple months ago when I finished my custom Turbo Build. I have been keeping a close eye on Oil Pressure ever since because I have an 09' (Bought it 4 years ago with only 44k Miles on it. Now I'm at 101k). My Oil Pressure is always at 14-16psi at idle when up to testing temp. and the 2k rpms test its always at 43-45psi. I also see people here testing out at higher psi's and wonder about the difference. I do plan to upgrade the gaskets and do the billet gears. But I also see myself within spec so I wanted to hold off till I build the motor so I can do it while I'm there. I don't think anyone has done the work to the motor before me, but you don't know till you're in there.

09-10-2022, 05:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
stansens Base Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: toronto, canada Posts: 144 Drives: 2016, 370z Rep Power: 192	I get no lower than 30 psi so I have to agree in that it's likely an oil pump problem, oil galley restriction or pressure relief spring/valve issue. Probably shouldn't run it at low pressure for very long. Hope you find the issue soon.