Oil Pressure with dino 5w30

[sleepery]

I have noticed that at startup that my oil pressure guage reads lower than normal after startup for a few minutes . It flutters a bit then stabilizes to its normal reading after warming up . It is a 99 Explorer with Quaker State 5w30 and a Purolator filter .

I have only recently noticed this . Temps have been in the low 30's . Would a synthetic 5w30 flow better or is this normal and not really a big deal ?

 

[Steve S]

Give syn oil a try and keep us informed.

 

[chubbs1]

Yeah you are going to notice this in the cold, so you can keep the dino in or change it out to a 'syn'. I personally would use QS Ultimate Durability the whole year round, but especially winter.

 

[sleepery]

Thanks, I am considering QS Ultimate Durability . I may wait to put more miles into this OCI as it has about 1k on the oil .

 

[Kuato]

+1; synthetic will flow better in the cold. You could also try a 0w30 oil.

 

[suspiciousmind]

If it's a pure1 filter, it has about 10 micron element. The thick oil likely bypasses when cold thus the flutter and low reading early.

It'd be interesting to see how a wix/napa gold with its 14 micron element behaved....try it and let us know.

 

[chubbs1]

Originally Posted By: suspiciousmind
If it's a pure1 filter, it has about 10 micron element. The thick oil likely bypasses when cold thus the flutter and low reading early.

It'd be interesting to see how a wix/napa gold with its 14 micron element behaved....try it and let us know.


The difference would be so negligible it would be hard to even measure, BTW how do you know it has a 10 micron "element". Not trying to be a jerk or anything just want to know where I can find that info.

 

[sleepery]

The filter is a Purolator Classic . I normally use a Motorcraft FL1A . Is there any big difference in flow between them ? In the past I used the FL1A and Pennzoil Conventional .

 

[The_Jeff]

Is this a real gauge? I thought explorers from mid 90s on had two position needles, normal and danger.

You could have an intstrument panel issue like a flaky solder joint.

 

[Zaedock]

At 30*F, a syn or 5w30 conventional will flow virtually the same.

I would look to the filter or gauge.

I certainly wouldn't waste this interval with only 1K.

 

[edhackett]

It's most likely a idiot gauge. They don't vary with oil pressure, but will vary with voltage. Lower voltage, lower reading.

Ed

 

[lexus114]

I agree,besides,nothing to fear with that oil/filter combo.

 

[beast3300]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Is this a real gauge? I thought explorers from mid 90s on had two position needles, normal and danger.

You could have an intstrument panel issue like a flaky solder joint.


I think your right. The gauge has something wrong with it. I don't think this is oil related.

 

[mechtech2]

This could be in the gauge system - a minor fault.
The temp sender, connections, or gauge itself may be imperfect.

 

[sleepery]

Originally Posted By: edhackett
It's most likely a idiot gauge. They don't vary with oil pressure, but will vary with voltage. Lower voltage, lower reading.

Ed

Yes I think it is a idiot guage . It usually goes right to the midpoint and stays there all the time . Could the voltage be off due to sitting in the cold overnight ? Thanks .

 

[Hootbro]

Whether it is a pressure switch (I.E. on/off for the gauge to go dead center on scale) or a pressure transducer that actually allows the gauge to vary as pressure varies, you need to change it out and go from there. Part should be around $30 and a easy wrench off and on operation.

If that does not fix the fluctuation, you may have an actual internal oil pressure issue like a clogged oil pickup screen and/or a faulty oil pump. I would change the pressure switch/transducer first before going down this path.

 

[edhackett]

Yes, low voltage can cause the gauge to vary. Watch the other dash lights and see if they dim at the same time.

Clean the connection on the oil pressure switch. A bad connection there could cause problems. If voltage and connection are OK, replace the switch. If problems persist, check with a mechanical gauge.

Here's a link on how to convert the gauge to a real pressure gauge should you wish:

http://www.rowand.net/shop/tech/FordOilPressureGaugeFix.htm

Ed

 

[sleepery]

Good info . I appreciate the help with this .