adam

Got a question on oil pressure.

My gauge usually reads rock steady 40 PSI for oil. Now it has begun
reading 25 PSI or less, BUT then it jumps back up to 40 PSI.

Is this sign of a pressure sensor going bad? Getting gunk in it?

I've checked the oil level and its between full and add.

Any other thoughts?

LAvetteman

Did it happen right after an oil change?

I have had a new oil filter do this once to me.
I have also had a bad oil pressure sensor do this as well.
Could also be your gauge.

adam

Hi 4sp;

Started happening, but not after the oil change...

Any ideas if it's not the gauge? How would you go from low pressure
to a higher pressure? Stuck bypass valve that then closes?

LT-1 Larry

Had the same problem a few years back, and the answer is: gunk. The line to the guage is pretty small, and as I recall I just unhooked it at the guage, put it into a jar and fired her up. Be careful, this can get real messy, real fast. But it worked for me. Blew whatever was clogging the line out and I've had no trouble since.

Avette4me

Hey Adam,

I'm not positive, but pretty sure that your '81 does not have an oil line run all the way to the guage. It likely has a sensor that send electrical signal instead. This would potentially narrow it down to sensor, loose connection, guage, or filter (unless the worse is happening).

Just my 2 cents - hope it helps.


[Modified by Avette4me, 4:53 PM 1/14/2003]