Oil pressure gauge?
10-27-2013, 01:47 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Washington
Posts: 27
Oil pressure gauge?
So I need some help. This morning i went to start my stang. Battery was dead. While my friend was on his way to give me a jump, I decided to check my oil. It was about a quart low. So first thing, I went to do an oil change at my friends house. Before leaving I put a quart in to be safe. Anyways. I noticed on the stock oil pressure gauge I was just a little above the L. Normally the needle is in the middle. So I did the oil change and still, it's just above the L immediately Upon start up and stays there. Is this something I should be worried about? This is the first oil change I've done since I bought the car (4 months ago/ 2000 miles ago) could it maybe be that I put 5w-30 in it? And the previous owner was using 10w-30? Tomorrow I'm going to buy a new oil pressure gauge but it may be awhile before I get it on. So until then, I wanna hear some peoples input on this. I know these are dummy gauges. But it's working enough for me to worry. What do you guys think?
10-27-2013, 04:14 AM
#2
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ohio
Posts: 3,628
The first thing I would do is get an aftermarket mechanical gauge and get an accurate oil pressure reading. Im not satisfied with L normal H to many things can cause the gauge to be unreliable as to what the actual pressure is. A bad, loose or dirty connection , or even a poor ground causes the gauge to act up. I have seen pple loose there minds watching the stock temp and oil pressure gauges, get a decent set of after market and you will stress much less over it.
My 94 use to show oil pressure at the H all the time so always thought I had high oil pressure I put a set of after markets on and the pressure was right at 42psi after warming up.
I personally don't ever use any oil less than 10w30 exept in my moms saab when I change her oil for her, and then it is only synthetic for that.
My 94 use to show oil pressure at the H all the time so always thought I had high oil pressure I put a set of after markets on and the pressure was right at 42psi after warming up.
I personally don't ever use any oil less than 10w30 exept in my moms saab when I change her oil for her, and then it is only synthetic for that.
10-27-2013, 09:32 AM
#3
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Indy
Posts: 1,353
The stock oil pressure gauge is crap. It is a dummy gauge, which basically says you either do or dont have oil pressure. In no way is it reliable. Mine did as Dawson stated and would read high all the time. No, that small change in oil weight would not hurt anything
10-27-2013, 11:02 AM
#4
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Washington
Posts: 27
Ok. Thanks guys. It was just weird that it never moved from the middle(while running) and all the suddenly did. But I'm buying gauges today because my temp gauge rarely works and if it does it shows it's running warm. But I don't believe it.
Appreciate the help!
Appreciate the help!
10-27-2013, 08:09 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Washington
Posts: 27
Just picked up some aftermarket gauges. Anyone know what psi I should be running on the oil temp? I haven't put them in yet, but I'd like to know in advance. Hope I don't have worn out bearings. That might be a good thing though. I have a 351w that I can put in it. 
Last edited by stangfiveoh; 10-27-2013 at 08:10 PM. Reason: Spelling
10-28-2013, 08:40 AM
#10
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Indy
Posts: 1,353
No, then you just added about 50lbs. Some better heads, you would like the extra torque, especially w a heavy convertible