I have a 1994 camaro 3.4l. I noticed that when i drive the gauge will move all over. When im at idle it is in the middle at 40. When i accelerate it goes up to 60. I saw that when i come to a stop it goes down to 20. I also have a service engine soon light on and tried to read codes but the scanner couldnt read any. Could it just use a oil change. Or what could it have to get.

 

oil pressure is supposed to go up and down with the rpms

 

I was told it was 10 psi per 1k rpm. Cars average 3k or less rpm so it shouldnt be up at 60psi.

 

i've been told the same thing, i've also been told that the gauges on these cars are not very accurate

 

if you are worried about something being wrong its always better to get someone to actually look at the car, the experts who are on this forum can only do so much. (im not one of those experts by the way)

 

You are correct that the gauge's in our cars are inaccurate. The rule of 10 psi for every 1k rpm is just a rule of thumb and shouldn't be followed as an all out law. I've honestly never heard of anyone complaining of having high oil pressure. And 20 psi at idle is pretty good. Mine is usually only 10-15 psi idling.

Oil pressure is determined, mostly, but not completely, by bearing clearance. Other factors include the viscosity of the oil and the temperature of the oil, just to name a few others.

If you are really that concerned about your oil pressure, find a way to tap a mechanical oil pressure gauge into the block. Personally, I trust mechanical gauges over electrical.

 

So your saying it not bad to have 60 at 3k rpm and 40 at idle and for some reason when i stop its at 20. I just dont want something to be wrong. Im getting a oil change.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Sounds like to me you got some pretty damn good oil pressure. Honestly, if it were my car, I wouldn't think twice about it and I keep an eye on my car like a fat man and chocolate cake. What motor oil do you use now and plan on using and how many miles are on the car?

 

Im not sure whats in it and im not sure what the oil change place will use but 160k.

 

if its jumping around the sensor or wiring is probly failing. my sensor is goin and sometimes it reads normal, 40 to 60 lbs and sometimes its pegged at max. the 1 lb pressure for every 100 rpms is at idle. so if your idling at 500 and have 6 lbs pressure the motor will operate and survive. if its bothering you, you could check it with a mechanical gage or install one.