Oil Pressure
10-08-2006, 02:32 PM
#1
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Oil Pressure
Well, Ive had oil dissapearing on me for a few months now, Im pretty sure its getting burnt up, maybe leaking in a very unnoticable spot (no puddles) but can I get an education lesson on what causes oil to burn?
Also, what should my oil pressure be at? When its cold, it stays close to 3/4 of the gauge at idle or in gear. Then when it heats up, its a little more than half (think its 60, I cant remember) then drops to below that mark a little bit at idle, or no speed.
I keep hearing this little humming/squeeling sound at idle, that I think Ive come to associate with low oil. I keep hearing it sometimes... Just looking for some info from you guys before my car explodes.
Also, what should my oil pressure be at? When its cold, it stays close to 3/4 of the gauge at idle or in gear. Then when it heats up, its a little more than half (think its 60, I cant remember) then drops to below that mark a little bit at idle, or no speed.
I keep hearing this little humming/squeeling sound at idle, that I think Ive come to associate with low oil. I keep hearing it sometimes... Just looking for some info from you guys before my car explodes.
10-08-2006, 05:50 PM
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my Z28 has 85,000 original miles, I sometimes hear a a humming noise as well, but I dont think its oil related, Its obvious that older engines do use more oil, i have to check the oil in my dads ranger about once a week and my camaro about every 2 weeks to a month.
10-08-2006, 06:13 PM
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ahh, I know exactly what ur talking about, strangly though when im taking turns it sounds like my engine is squeeling, but I dont know if its the shocks/suspension, or struts, or a possible belt, I know my front brakes sqeel when I brake but that squeel might be from the brakes rubbing when i turn, i will have to check that out when I rotate me tires, i know this seems unrelated to your oil issue but it could possibly be relavant to whats going on with your problem. Coincidently
10-08-2006, 06:44 PM
#7
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Originally Posted by 98CamaroZ28
ahh, I know exactly what ur talking about, strangly though when im taking turns it sounds like my engine is squeeling, but I dont know if its the shocks/suspension, or struts, or a possible belt, I know my front brakes sqeel when I brake but that squeel might be from the brakes rubbing when i turn, i will have to check that out when I rotate me tires, i know this seems unrelated to your oil issue but it could possibly be relavant to whats going on with your problem. Coincidently
I know its not my brakes, I just changed them.
10-08-2006, 07:45 PM
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Do you get any smoke when you start the car after its sat for a while? I'm not talking a huge cloud or anything, just a little puff on start-up. You might not be able to tell from inside the car. If so your valve seals might be getting a little worn out-
Check under you car as well for oil collecting in places. It might not be enough to puddle, but enough to drip slightly when you drive. A drip every now and then over the course of 3k miles will show up on the dipstick.
Also- your readings sound about right, but keep in mind that factory gauges aren't exactly dead-nuts accurate. But its typical for oil pressures to be higher before the motor warms up.
If your car is still doing the humming- and the oil is a little low- pour the oil in when its running and see if you notice any change. To me since you said you hear the noises at idle- try and listen to see where the noise is originating from if possible- that will help quite a bit
Check under you car as well for oil collecting in places. It might not be enough to puddle, but enough to drip slightly when you drive. A drip every now and then over the course of 3k miles will show up on the dipstick.
Also- your readings sound about right, but keep in mind that factory gauges aren't exactly dead-nuts accurate. But its typical for oil pressures to be higher before the motor warms up.
If your car is still doing the humming- and the oil is a little low- pour the oil in when its running and see if you notice any change. To me since you said you hear the noises at idle- try and listen to see where the noise is originating from if possible- that will help quite a bit
10-08-2006, 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 98CamaroZ28
hmm mabe, have you checked your power steering fluids and possibly your (headlight fluids? last one is joke....)
10-08-2006, 08:47 PM
#15
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Originally Posted by FORCE_FED_Z
Do you get any smoke when you start the car after its sat for a while? I'm not talking a huge cloud or anything, just a little puff on start-up. You might not be able to tell from inside the car. If so your valve seals might be getting a little worn out-
Check under you car as well for oil collecting in places. It might not be enough to puddle, but enough to drip slightly when you drive. A drip every now and then over the course of 3k miles will show up on the dipstick.
Also- your readings sound about right, but keep in mind that factory gauges aren't exactly dead-nuts accurate. But its typical for oil pressures to be higher before the motor warms up.
If your car is still doing the humming- and the oil is a little low- pour the oil in when its running and see if you notice any change. To me since you said you hear the noises at idle- try and listen to see where the noise is originating from if possible- that will help quite a bit
Check under you car as well for oil collecting in places. It might not be enough to puddle, but enough to drip slightly when you drive. A drip every now and then over the course of 3k miles will show up on the dipstick.
Also- your readings sound about right, but keep in mind that factory gauges aren't exactly dead-nuts accurate. But its typical for oil pressures to be higher before the motor warms up.
If your car is still doing the humming- and the oil is a little low- pour the oil in when its running and see if you notice any change. To me since you said you hear the noises at idle- try and listen to see where the noise is originating from if possible- that will help quite a bit
Ill check the smoke later this week.. Ill have Adric start it up while Im behind it.
I just know I was a little over my oil change, from my last one I had last about a quart or two, but that was around CSF (july). Otherwise Im losing about a quart every 3k I think.
Good to hear the oil pressure is close though. I just really havent paid much attention, or really dont know where its supposed to be... I was just looking to hear that its operating correctly.
Thanks for the tips, Ill try them out.