Free Car Repair Advice by Certified ASE Technicians
Troubleshooting
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High/Low Engine Oil Pressure
High or Low Engine Oil Pressure
The oil in your engine is used to cool and lubricate the bearings and
machined surfaces of the internal moving parts. Without oil and oil pressure
your engine will experience extreme internal engine damage due to heat caused by
friction. All engines run on a pre-set pressure that cannot be adjusted. This
pressure will vary depending on engine speed and temperature. As a rule of thumb the engine oil pressure
gauge should never drop below 1/4 pressure and never exceed 3/4 pressure.
If the gauge indicates the low pressure this could mean:
- Engine could have low oil level
- Broken oil pump pressure relief spring
- Excessive bearing clearances
If the gauge indicates the high oil pressure this could mean:
- The engine oil pressure sender has failed (common)
- The engine oil pump could have a stuck pressure relieve valve
To check for these conditions a manual oil pressure gauge is needed. Locate
the oil pressure port near the engine oil filter. Remove the sender or switch
and install the oil pressure gauge. Start the engine and observe the gauge.
For manufacturer specific repair procedures and oil pressure specifications
for any of the steps above visit our online repair
manual page.
Troubleshooting
/
High/Low Engine Oil Pressure
Check Manufacturer Specific Engine oil
Pressure
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