My oil gauge is reading all the way high

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 NISSAN XTERRA
  • 75,606 MILES
My oil gauge is reading all the way high. There is no check engine light but I think there is a smell coming from the engine or radiator

I checked the oil and it has oil but it also looks like it may be full
My oil change is not due for another 1500 miles
Tuesday, March 19th, 2013 AT 12:59 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,186 POSTS
Oil pumps have a pressure release valve, but it is very rare that they go bad. When they do, the oil pressure goes really high and I've even seen oil filters expand. What you need to do is check to see if the gauge in the car is correct. To do that, you need to rent a mechanical oil pressure gauge. Most parts stores will rent or lend one to you. Then, you remove the present oil sending unit from the engine and screw in the mechanical gauge. At an idle, pressure should be around 15 psi. As the engine rpms increase, the pressure will increase with it. It shouldn't really exceed 80 psi.
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Tuesday, March 19th, 2013 AT 1:15 AM

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