How do you read an oil pressure gauge? When What exactly does it measure?

Question

And what range is normal? Can the thickness of the oil affect its readings?

Answer 1

OIL IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF YOUR ENGINE so if the vehicle you have has a OIL PRESSURE GAUGE rather than a idiot light consider yourself lucky. When you first start up the vehicle the gauge should almost peg itself on the high side until the motor warms up then it should stay in the middle of it's measuring range though it may go down somewhat if the motor is just idling but it should come right back up when you step on the gas pedal. What the gauge is measuring is the amount of pressure that the oil is operating under as it lubricates the engine,as for wether or not thicker oil will effect the gauges reading it depends on how much heavier the other oil is as compared to what you normally use.Just remember that the main internal engine components (CRANKSHAFT,CONNECTING RODS,PISTONS,CAMSHAFT AND ITS RELATED PARTS) operate with a microscopic film of oil keeping them from contacting each other,THAT IS WHY CHANGING YOUR OIL AND FILTER REGULARLY IS PROBABLY THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR ENGINE. Another thing about heavy/thick oils and I mean anything thicker than a 10W-40 weight are very resistant to flow when cold so that is why most vehicle makers recommend lighter "energy efficient" oils because oil does ZERO good if the oil pump can't pump it to where it's needed and yes most engine wear happens when you first start the engine.

Answer 2

A oil pressure gauge is measured in psi, (pounds per square inch) It measures the pressure between the oil pump and the oil filter from a sensor on the engine block. the correct range depends on the size of your engine, the smaller the engine, the higher the oil pressure. the average range is usually between 30 to 45 psi. thickness of the oil does affect its reading and this is usually at cold start up, as the oil warms, the pressure will drop to its normal operating range.

Answer 3

the oil pressure guage should be listed pounds. a normal operating range would be something in the range of 40 to 60 pounds. ive seen cars run well with 20 pounds. it measures the pressure the oil is under for lubricating the pistons, valves, etc. without good pressure, your engine will wear faster and may have preventable damage. it takes pressure to make the oil in the oil pan to move up into the engine and through all the little places like the push rods. very necessary to have good steady pressure. heavier oil may cause the pressure to run higher. consult a garage manual to see what your engine is recommended to have.

Answer 4

the oil pressure gauge reads the oil pressure in the oil pan.the thickness of the oil problably affects the readings.the ranges should vary with the type of engine.

Answer 5

it measures the presure and yes the thickness of the oil will change it all cars are a little different check the manual 4 the right preasure 4 your car