car runnning on 5w30 idle at 10psi when warm

[BigRich954]

Im running PP 5w30 its seem to start cold at 70 psi at idle when warm it runs at 10 psi and 60-70 psi on highway.

car is a 2000 mirage 1.8 liter 4g93.


Well little worried about the low psi some was thiking maybe move to a 5w40 ? or a 10w30 if you think that might make a small change ? little worried about highway psi going to high

 

[oggb]

If you're using the stock oil pressure gauge you can largely consider those worthless.

40-weight oil isn't going to hurt the engine if it gives you peace of mind, though.

 

[toneydoc]

Seems about right. Check your specs on the engine.

 

[Eddie]

That pressure seems to be normal for a daily driver. As said, check the engine manual for oil pressure specs. Ed

 

[demarpaint]

Seems OK. If you're really concerned verify it with a mechanical gauge, not the dash gauge. Most factory dash gauges are useless as already mentioned.

 

[fdcg27]

How does this compare with other oils you've used in the car?
While the stock gauge may not give accurate data, it should at least be consistent in what it does give.
Idle oil pressure is probably not that big of a deal as long as there is some, since engine loads at idle are very low.
As long as you are seeing decent oil pressure while on the move, as you indicate that you are, I don't think you have anything to worry about.
Incidentally, 10w30 won't help at all, and some 10w30s actually have lower viscosity at operating temperatures than do their 5w30 counterparts.
IIRC, this is the case with PP.

 

[demarpaint]

I've found that running dino will boost OP a bit, during hot idling. OTOH I always had more that 10 psi at idle so I never gave it much thought.

 

[jorton]

At warm idle listen to the engine running from outside of vehicle. If psi is low engine will sound too noisy. Also, oil idiot lite flickers on and off.

Will you be testing psi with a reliable instrument? If not, you should change the oil filter with new Mitsubishi or (Mopar ?) so psi wont go too high.

 

[garageman402]

Actually, according to Dr. A.E. Haas' article, this is normal:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

If you are still concerned, here are a few other items:

1) Change the oil, it may have sheared and is thinner than normal.

2) Check the oil pressure sending unit, they do fail occasionally. I had a 77 Opel with the Isuzu 1.8 L and the light came on at idle. I changed all the bearings, and after freeway driving, light came on again at idle. Checked pressure with a gauge, seemed normal, changed the sender, no more light.

3) Dr. Haas mentions 10 psi per 1000 RPM, seems like this (or more) is what you are getting. Thicker oil will reduce the flow, just as clogged arteries increase blood pressure (a bad thing).

 

[Corvette Owner]

My Corvette lower spec for idling oil pressure is 8 psi, just saying...

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Seems OK. If you're really concerned verify it with a mechanical gauge, not the dash gauge. Most factory dash gauges are useless as already mentioned.


Exactly. Never trust the gauge, verify with a reliable mechanical unit directly into the oil sending unit tap.

 

[mechtech2]

Has there been a change? This is the most important thing.
If not, 10 at idle can be just fine.

 

[BigRich954]

LOL the only change is i installed a oil pressure gauge and saw i only have 10 psi at idle. im use to seeing 30 at idle at least. I did it just cause the check engine light take forever to turn off on start up

 

[jorton]

Is this motor is supposed to race for a few seconds on start up to heat up the cats? That hasn't changed has it?