9 replies to this topic

[Talk-torque]

Recently my running oil pressure dropped from around 75 psi to around 40 psi. Oil level is correct and the oil and filter were changed in May, around 500 miles ago. I have no nasty noises, no leaks, no unusual oil consumption and no smoke. After a search on here, I decided to check the pressure control valve. There were no signs of this sticking. The valve parts and the orrifice seemed to be clean and with no damage. Does this mean my pcv is OK? Any other ideas on why I should have suddenly lost oil pressure? I have had suggestions of the filter being blocked, or the by-pass valve sticking, which I am going to check. I will also be checking out the gauge and sensor, which are Stack.

[vocky]

the z22se standard oil pressure is 125 psi, which is quite high. Most gauges only go up to 100 psi and the z22se engine tends to kill either the oil gauge pressure sender or the oil gauge, I have been through quite a few.

 

My current engine has under piston oil jets, this reduces the oil pressure to around 85-90 psi and I now have a Stack oil pressure sender and matching gauge. The stack gauge did decide to melt internally but I managed to solder the component back on and it's been fine ever since.

 

The oil pump pressure relief valve should have no scoring marks and be free to slide inside the pump.

[Talk-torque]

Thanks vocky. There are slight marks on the valve, but nothing serious. I will see how freely the valve moves, before I refit it. Sounds like the gauge and sender need a careful check. Not sure where the sender is yet. Where are they usually fitted?

[chris_uk]

its on the pipe to the oil filter housing. 

[Talk-torque]

Thanks Chris.

[Talk-torque]

Just re-assembled the PCV and the problem is solved! Hot, I'm now seeing 55psi at tick over, 75 at 3K rpm and over 100 blipping the throttle! I am one happy bunny. 🐰 Wish I'd put it back together last night, now. I was a little concerned!

[Talk-torque]

My thoughts on this, now that I've recovered (!), are that I wouldn't have known anything was wrong, if my car hadn't got an oil pressure gauge fitted. From my internet search for a solution, a sticking pressure control valve is not uncommon. How much damage could be done by long term use of an engine with such low oil pressure, given that the chain tensioners and the tappets all depend on that pressure. I don't know - just asking, but I'm very glad my car had a gauge! I'd recommend anyone who hasn't to fit one.

[Talk-torque]

Well, sadly, that was not the end of our oil pressure problem. After a run, the readings still dropped to about half what they should be. Thanks to my North Yorkshire forum buddies, especially John (Johnboyhgt), the car is now, finally, fixed. An oil pressure check with a mechanical gauge kit prooved the actual pressure to be as it should be, pointing the finger at the gauge, or sensor. I fitted a new sensor, courtesy of Deamon Tweeks (ebay), this afternoon and all is now as it should be. I don't know how long this sensor will last, but the gauge doesn't seem to mind going off scale by 25psi, or so, too much. Thanks also to Vocky, for being right all along, as usual! 😀

[vocky]

previous bitter experience was the only reason I knew     

[Johnboyhgt]

My pleasure Roger. Always better to have a definite reading to compare against before deciding on a course of action. Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk