Oil pressure issues or gauge tripping out? - Perth-WRX.com

rubberbudgie · #1 11-05-2010, 08:29 PM

Was just out driving when I noticed the oil pressure gauge bouncing around like mad even when cruising at a constant speed and engine rpm.
On idle it fluctuates but not as much as when the engine rpms are higher.

And also when turning right without any throttle being applied oil pressure drops low enough to sound the low pressure alarm but doesn't seem to do it when turning left.

Oil level is fine, not sure where the oil pressure sensor is located so haven't checked that yet but will check the Defi web site for the location and check it to make sure it's not that.

Anyone have any ideas? Does it sound like the gauge/sensor playing up or could it be something with the engine (oil pump?)

tuna · #2 11-05-2010, 08:30 PM

is it a electronic guage or a tube guage from the engine bay?

rubberbudgie · #3 11-05-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuna

is it a electronic guage or a tube guage from the engine bay?

It's part of a 3 gauge defi cluster so I'd say electronic.

tuna · #4 11-05-2010, 08:33 PM

how much does it fluctuate?

if it was a tube guage, i would have suggested there could have been leak somewhere along the tube.

rubberbudgie · #5 11-05-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuna

how much does it fluctuate?

if it was a tube guage, i would have suggested there could have been leak somewhere along the tube.

Between 2 and 6 at most but usually between 2 and 4 - I think the scale is x 100kpa but would have to check to be sure

Rossco · #6 11-05-2010, 09:46 PM

Get it checked asap (with a workshop gauge)....There have been issues with the oil pick ups fatiguing & cracking at the top weld/flange....Air doesn't lubricate well.

I also have the DIN 3 gauge Defi cluster.... I do get some fluctuation when the engine is stone cold but it's always rock solid when hot.

Nasioc thread & poll of failures: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1553337

MY00GC8 · #7 11-05-2010, 09:54 PM

we had one come into work with that aswell... very strange
but yeah id get it checked out properly, better safe than sorry

rubberbudgie · #8 11-05-2010, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rossco

Get it checked asap (with a workshop gauge)....There have been issues with the oil pick ups fatiguing & cracking at the top weld/flange....Air doesn't lubricate well.

I also have the DIN 3 gauge Defi cluster.... I do get some fluctuation when the engine is stone cold but it's always rock solid when hot.

Nasoic thread & poll of failures: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1553337

Cheers for that Rossco. Interesting video, wonder how he got on with the warranty claim from Subaru?

I'm starting to think that there may be very little oil in it, when I checked initially I must have read the side of the dipstick that had picked up some residue from the dipstick tube as I checked it again about half and hour later and there is nothing reading on the dipstick at all. But that being said, with every wrx I've owned it's always been a hit and miss thing trying to get a proper oil reading from it. I know with my MY99 it never used to show anything ever on the dipstick, the only way I knew how much oil it had was draining the sump and measuring it then completely draining it and then putting a proper amount into it.

Just to see, I put about 250ml of oil into it and took it for a drive and the gauge seems to be more stable although it does fluctuate a bit on idle but that's more the lumpy idle causing that I'd say.

I changed the oil just over 1000kms ago and it certainly hasn't been leaking anything (I'm a nazi when it comes to oil leaks on my driveway) and certainly hasn't been burning any so if it turns out to be low on oil the big question is where has it gone?

I now know where the sender is located so will wait a bit for it to cool down and then will go check that just to be sure it's not just that causing it (before I start to worry)....

Rossco · #9 11-05-2010, 10:46 PM

What oil pressure do you see at 3000rpm when hot?

Just out of interest, I see 600kpa with mobil 1 5w50.

Hope it's not this!

More pics here: http://www.racingdentist.com/my%20cars.htm

rubberbudgie · #10 11-05-2010, 10:50 PM

Can't remember exactly but around 600 sounds about right. I'm using Royal Purple 5w50 I think or could be 5w30.

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