Can the low oil pressure typically associated with high-mileage engines be a problem?

Question

I have a 1987 Jeep Cherokee with over 215,000 miles on it. The oil pressure starts out at around 60psi, then decreases to around 30psi or so when the engine warms up. I've been told that this is normal with engines that have alot of miles on them, and have also been told that this should not cause any problems as long as I maintain the correct oil level in the vehicle. Is this true?

Additional info (as requested by those who responded): I live in Virginia. I don't notice any smoke in the exhaust.

Answer 1

Yes, low oil pressure can be a serious problem. As clearances get larger and crankcase oils get heavier, the chance of a bearing surface going dry becomes significantly greater. Do you have any idea about the oil temperatures you are driving with? Have you tried a high mileage OIL , like CASTROL's HIGH MILEAGE OIL, intended for older, well worn engines?
It used to be that you could raise the oil pressure by inserting a longer, tougher spring in the oil pump. The tougher spring actually raises the max oil pressure relief point and will not do much for worn out bearing journals at low engine speeds. It is still worth a try if you use a HIGH MILEAGE OIL at the same time as when you raise the oil pressure. A new oil pump will not likely raise the pressure very much unless it has a new and improved design.

Answer 2

Yes it is normal. I have a 97 Dakota with 150K that does the same thing. It gets regular servicing and the only thing major it's needed was a water pump last Dec. Over time the wear on your engine loosens up i the innards. Since you didn't say what region you were in I couldn't make a recommendation to go to a higher viscosity oil.

Answer 3

The answer depends on how you drive the vehicle...
As the bearing surfaces wear, there is more of a gap, this makes the oil pressure drop. This also includes the oil pump
as well. A good remedy is to replace the oil pump....this should help raise the psi to close to normal levels.

Answer 4

My vehicle ran large until eventually some fool at a 30 minute lube position informed my spouse to placed that nasty stuff in. After that, it began burning oil and has a click like a rocker arm. It became only effective until eventually they placed that damned severe milage oil in. So my advice is to stay with the 10w30 or 10w40. My mom's previous sixty 9' Chevelle rolled the odometer on it over seven cases before it gave her issues, and he or she only used that each and each oil replace, 3000 miles.

Answer 5

Everything in that engine is worn now. Try a heavier weight oil and/or an oil stabilizer like Lucas. Maintain the oil level.

Is there any smoking at start-up or when you accelerate? If so, you have worn rings and oil is getting into the combustion chamber.

Answer 6

I say take it to a mechanic and get it checked out.