I know why I need to keep the oil at the optimum level, but I have no idea what oil pressure is or even how to read the gage...
2007-07-12 18:23:46 · 9 answers · asked by ? 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The oil pressure gauge tells you the condition of your crankshaft bearings. The takeoff for the gauge is situated between the oil pump pressure outlet and the internal oil gallery that feeds the crankshaft bearings.
When the engine is new the bearings have an oil clearance of about 0.03810mm (0.0015in). This clearance creates the pressure that is shown on your gauge.
As the bearings wear, the oil gap gets bigger, there is less resistance for the pump to force oil through, so the pressure will be lower.
If you oil level is very low, you will notice that the oil pressure will drop suddenly as you turn a corner. Left or right depending on which side your pump pick up is on.
Oil pressure is a vital property of your engines long life. The crankshaft is running on a cushion of oil that keeps the bearings from rubbing on the hardened steel crankshaft. If the pressure drops too low, there is a very real chance of metal to metal contact.
Hope this is of some help to you.
2007-07-12 19:06:29 · answer #1 · answered by skytrain18 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The gage is reading the pressure of the oil flowing through the engine. The pressure comes from the oil pump. Oil pressure varies on the make of the engine. Most run in the 40-60 pound range. Less at idle. It indicates that the oil in your engine is flowing and is under some pressure. Your gage in the dash most likely reads low and high and should be about in the middle when the engine is warm. Low oil pressure can be an indicator of several things including low oil level, worn bearings and bushing in the engine. High pressure on the other hand is most often caused by a bad relief valve in the pump.
2007-07-12 18:37:16 · answer #2 · answered by renpen 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
My car has an oil pressure gage in the dash. What is oil pressure and what does it tell me?
I know why I need to keep the oil at the optimum level, but I have no idea what oil pressure is or even how to read the gage...
2015-08-06 00:34:38 · answer #3 · answered by Morna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oil Gage
2016-11-14 03:53:47 · answer #4 · answered by beukema 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The oil pressure Gage is your friend.
Think of it as a blood pressure monitor for your engine.
It will tell you how well your "oil circulatory system" is working.
It's that important.
If it rises or falls beyond its normal operating range it means you got trouble.
If it drops to zero it means shut it off!
This was the only gage that worked in my car for years.
I even knew when the oil got real dirty by a gradual increase in pressure.
2007-07-12 19:28:34 · answer #5 · answered by Paul S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the pressure of the oil circulating in the engine, as created by the oil pump. It tells you the pressure of the oil circulating in the engine. Low oil pressure = bad.
2007-07-12 19:08:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's gauge....
and if you don't have enough oil or oil pressure you can burn up your engine...so if it drops below a certain point, get it to a repair shop NOW, before you need a new engine. The pressure should stay in the middle (whatever the gauge says) and not fall below or get too high. (too high is just as bad as too low, but for burning oil, not your engine.)
2007-07-12 18:29:12 · answer #7 · answered by Chrys 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is the force that the oil is being pushed thru the engine. It is read in pounds per square inch. Most engines run somewhere between 20-40lbs pressure.
2007-07-12 19:54:20 · answer #8 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be you oil pump may be going out! you wont know until your mechanic removes the valve covers to see if the oil is flowing good. hope this works for you
2016-03-22 15:36:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋