Oil Pressure

NAOMI THOMAS

MEMBER
PONTIAC BONNEVILLE

Hello, I'm new to the forum. I have a 1998 Pontaic Bonneville, with 3800 series (not supercharged) V6 engine, it has 207,000 miles. Great car, runs great, it was a one owner last year when I bought it.
The problem is: The oil pressure gauge is reading low, almost into the red. It was running low before this. (About 40) It was a little while before I as able to change the oil, but when I did it was with the same kind of oil and filter I had used before. I now shows on the gauge hen cold half way beteen 40-120. When hot it drops to 40 and below. At a stop light it will go to about 20.
I yesterday changed the oil pressure sensor, which did not help. I was told by the dealer that it could be main bearings, or oil pump. You can buy the oil pump, you have to buy a gear set. This car does not smoke or make any noises from the motor. I did however let it get two quarts low of oil one time.
Am I going to have to buy the oil pump kit or a new motor?
I drive this car 100 miles to ork and back every day, so what sould I do? :Cry:

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

HAve the oil pressure checked with a gauge hooked up to where the oil sensor is plugged into the engine. Maybe the gauge is faulty. Or maybe the oil pump is clogged.

If you do have low pressure, you may want to look into a rebuilt motor.

IMHO, I don't really like getting into replacing the lower end of the engine only because of the cost and still having a potential headache.