Oil Pressure question

[DUK13Y]

Hey guys,

I recently installed an Autotechnica digital oil pressure gauge in my ecotec and it's reading very low.

It runs about 20-30 on start up but then when warm it varies quite a lot, often hitting 0.
I'm not sure if it's the gauge or if I have a problem with the car itself.

The factory sensor is still attached via a T-piece so any warning lights should still activate if I have an issue. The gauge reads about 30 on take off and can go as high as 80 so I've seen.

Do I have an inaccurate gauge or a problem with my car?

Just did an oil change (inc. filter) today as well.

 

[Immortality]

That doesn't sound right. When the pressure gauge drops to zero is the dash oil pressure warning coming on too?

Is it wired up correctly?

See if you can borrow another gauge from somewhere and confirm. An analogue gauge is best to test with.

 

[DUK13Y]

It's wired correctly.
Factory warning doesn't come on.

I'll have to find another gauge to test with.

What pressure should I be reading?

 

[Immortality]

The ecotec should idle with about 40-50psi hot. Climbing obviously with more revs to 70psi+ depending on grade of oil and engine condition of course.

 

[DUK13Y]

Fitted a replacement sender which has arrested the fluctuations, however it now reads a consistent 20-30psi on idle. With the heater running, it will drop down around 10psi.

Any thoughts?

Oil level is still just below the full line and golden. Coolant was just totally flushed as well with the thermostat inspected and looking ok.

 

[EYY]

Heater won't make any difference to oil pressure, I'd assume it must be the way it's wired up. Maybe try getting power from somewhere else for the gauge

 

[delcowizzid]

if its a 1 wire sender unit run the gauge earth to the engine block near the sender

 

[Hrd455]

I earthed my gauge near the stereo and had heaps of issues, then i found re locating the eath to a stronger spot in the engine bay and all was sorted