Low Oil Pressure

[1324Kyle]

Hello everyone,

I've been doing research regarding ideal warm idle oil pressure for our engines and have come to find multiple different answers. I have an 07 Speed 3 that has has an oil pressure of about 10-15psi usually (11) when fully warm and idling.

My question is more about the condition of my engine, I've been reading that oil pressure should be around 30 when idling. I've also read that an older engines can idle as low as 15psi. My oil is at the correct level, I've checked multiple times.

Other than a boost leak which is only in higher rpms, it seems like the engine has been running normally and accelerates fine. (1-3.5k rpms) (There is a decently loud clicking sound though coming from the engine bay at all times, not sure if that makes a difference or not).

Do you guys think my engine is shot, or simply just idles at a low oil pressure?

Thanks
-Kyle

[BN00249]

Stock engine? Usually when people tune their cars they ‘up the idle rpm to around 1000. From what I’ve read, 23psi is where it should be at idle. Of course give or take a bit. If you’re stock and still idling at 750 (???) then it will of course be lower. I’m not sure how much lower. Mine is generally around 22-23psi at idle and then drops as oil becomes more diluted. That’s at 950rpm idle. I’m using 30w oil which I don’t normally use. Normally I use 40w.

The ticking noise could be your timing chain/vvt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[1324Kyle]

Originally Posted by BN00249 Stock engine? Usually when people tune their cars they ‘up the idle rpm to around 1000. From what I’ve read, 23psi is where it should be at idle. Of course give or take a bit. If you’re stock and still idling at 750 (???) then it will of course be lower. I’m not sure how much lower. Mine is generally around 22-23psi at idle and then drops as oil becomes more diluted. That’s at 950rpm idle. I’m using 30w oil which I don’t normally use. Normally I use 40w. The ticking noise could be your timing chain/vvt. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the response I will definitely check out the timing chain. It is a stock engine, and after driving it around for awhile, letting it fully warm up, it idles at around 750-800 and that's when the oil pressure sits at generally 11psi, sometimes up to 15psi. I am using 5w-30 oil. I've also noticed my oil pressure kind of bounce up and down a few times after letting off the accelerator, not sure if that's a sign of anything but thought it could be important lol.


I've also probably done a significant amount of damage to the engine. A few months ago I checked my oil after weeks of constant beating on her and realized I was about two quarts short of the "fill" line on the dipstick. Yeah I know, I'm a jacka**. Anyways I wouldn't be surprised if I did a decent amount of damage during that time.

Anyways, I appreciate your help, and anyone else reading this, if you have any insight on whether or not you think my engine is probably gonna blow up or not soon. I would appreciate all the information I can get.

Thanks
-Kyle

[BN00249]

Next oil change run a 5w40 Rotella t6 or even find another full synthetic brand in a 50w. Even if you possibly think your motor is toast. It’s better to not totally kill it and you can just rebuild it. Running thicker oil will yield you more oil pressure and keep you from spinning a bearing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SaveMelMac]

How are you checking oil pressure?

[1324Kyle]

Originally Posted by SaveMelMac How are you checking oil pressure?

Mechanical oil pressure 'Glowshift' guage

[SaveMelMac]

I would re check with another gauge before you start worrying about tearing the engine apart. You can buy cheap mechanical oil pressure gauges at most auto parts stores.

Also the general rule of thumb for engines, is 10 psi for every 1000 rpm. I haven't looked into any specifics what our engines typically run at. Just giving the general rule.