Hot lapping, low oil pressure at idle?

[JaeTea]

After I couple of laps at a drift event I notice my oil pressure gauge was reading about 7psi. The temp was about 70 degrees out.

Normally its around 14psi at idle. I run 5w-30 synthetic.

Oil just breaking down from the heat? Oil pump dieing?

[dan240]

Use 5-30w for daily commuting, go to a thicker weight oil if your tracking your car, especially if your running Mobil 1. I usually run a 10-40W. I also bump my idle a bit to get higher oil pressure at idle.

When hot, at track days, I don't see less than 12-15 psi at idle.

I don't know what motor you're running but my KA ran pretty high oil temps until I installed an oil cooler.

[let5l1de]

is it a mechanical or electric gauge?

check the rpm at idle. 800 +/- 50 (off of memory)

FSM says "KA" (sry no specs for other eng.) oil pressure at idle should be no less than 11psi

[JaeTea]

is it a mechanical or electric gauge?


Its a Greddy electrical gauge.

I'm running a KA-T and have an oil cooler. Idle is set at 900-950 rpms.

Daily driving and such I've never seen it go below 15-12 psi. Even doing single runs at events I've never seen it drop below 12psi.

[let5l1de]

too many variables to really diagnose the situation through the forum...

if the engine oil is near time for change, just do it. well used oil (synthetics hold better) does loose its ability to properly lubricate any hi-temp, hi-stress or fast moving rating parts and may become thinner. be sure to replace the oil filter as well. Do it yourself this time. Check the oil color, consistency and contents while its draining, especially near the end of the draining. Hopefully no metallic color shavings are visible.

EASY FIX/CHECKs
using a 5w or 10w-40 oil may help increase pressure in an older or wearing engine.

Flush oil cooler to be sure there is not blockage.

Check all the oil lines especially at bend for collapsed hoses.

If you changed brands of filter and oil, this can bring on small changes.

MORE DIFFICULT CHECKs
Check oil pickup tube for debris (silicon, rtv, gasket material, bearing material) and replace gasket as need.

Check oil pump clearances on cover and inspect for wear and replace springs/hardware.

Inspect or replace timing chain tensioners as needed.