Author Topic: Low oil pressure at high RPM's  (Read 1870 times)

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rod

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Low oil pressure at high RPM's
« on: September 15, 2006, 07:28:25 PM »
New guy here. I recently had oil pressure problems on my 97 2.5l, at low rpm's after warm up the pressure would drop to nothing. I pulled the main bearings and found the problem (168000 miles). After replacing mains and putting in a new oil pump everything seemed fine but now about 2 months later I'm having a low oil pressure at high rpm's. At idle I have about 20lbs, at just above idle til around 2400 I have 40lbs and above 2500 after warm up it drops probably to nothing if I hold it. I trust the sending unit and gauge cause they are very consistant. The engine seemed cleaned when I replaced the mains but the only thing I can think of causing this problem would be the oil drain holes. I haven't tore into the engine yet just wanted some ideas before I did.

Beachbum

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Low oil pressure at high RPM's
« Reply #1 on: September 15, 2006, 08:05:55 PM »
Just a thought, but maybe the oil pump suction is to far from the bottom of the oil pan or to close, causing the engine to starve for oil at high RPM's. I'm planning on pulling my oil pan and putting new main and rod bearings this winter in my 91 along with a cam and reconditioned head + some other goodies. How worn were the bearings in your engine. Mines got 135,000 on the clock.

Guardian7

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Low oil pressure at high RPM's
« Reply #2 on: September 15, 2006, 11:27:02 PM »
Sounds like you spun a bearing! A connecting rod bearing will usaully cause a knocking noise but a crankshaft journal bearing may not.

rod

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Low oil pressure at high RPM's
« Reply #3 on: September 16, 2006, 04:02:10 PM »
HEY Beachbum
the mains were worn about .003 all the way through the bearing surface. Crank still looked like a new one. I am considering a rebuild too. I've had VERY little trouble out of the little 4 cylinder but would still like to get a few more miles out of it.

rod

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Low oil pressure at high RPM's
« Reply #4 on: September 16, 2006, 04:15:56 PM »
Oh, also decided to try an engine flush. Don't like the idea of breaking all that sludge loose, might speed up the decision on a rebuild

Guardian7

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Low oil pressure at high RPM's
« Reply #5 on: September 17, 2006, 11:52:47 AM »
The engine flush is really a solvent which will thin out your oil and could drop the pressure even more so be very carefull using that stuff, it your pressure drops more dump it out fast. After you dump the flush throw in some 20-50 weight to see it the pressure comes up some, 20-50 is great for old tired motors which have more slop in them because it will help fill those worn clearances, boost oil pressure throughout the engine, and even quite some valve train noises. (It wont sqweeze out from between moving parts as fast). Your pressure should actually increase when you rev the engine, if it drops you are throwing oil out somewhere preventing the pressure from building, assuming your gage & sending unit are good. You might try replacing your oil pump before you pull the bottom end apart. When you spin a bearing the oil holes in the bearing no longer line up with the supply hole and the oil pushes out the sides of the bearing, when the bearing begines to spin with the crank it also disintegrates fast and you may see some gold color flakes in your oil since they are normally brass or bronze material so look close at your oil by pouring it through a coffee filter. Once this starts your time before seizing the engine may be limited if you cant keep enough oil pressure to other componants. Confirm your pressure is really running low with a mechanical pressure gage screwed into were the sending goes. A 20-50 weight can buy you some time if it helps raise the pressure.

Beachbum

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Low oil pressure at high RPM's
« Reply #6 on: September 17, 2006, 02:12:19 PM »
You said in your original thread that the engine was clean when you installed the main bearings, I don't see how an engine flush could possibly help you. I would be hesitant to try it for the reasons stated by Guardian7. He also gives you good advice regarding the mechanical oil pressure guage. I believe that where you should start. What about engine noise? I think you would hear some knocking if you had a spun bearing.