Oil pressure gauge spiked!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

psuchemboy · 07-30-2007, 10:15 AM

Well I got my "newer" motor in my truck now.

I put a new temp sensor in because my old one never moved unless it was almost overheating. WOW... It now works after all these years.

I put a new oil sender/switch on that Autozone told me would fit. I get everything together and the oil gauge is spiked when running and at 90 when off. It is also at 90 when unplugged. Damn... I put the old sender/switch back on. Now it reads about 60 at all times. Before I fussed with the whole project the oil gauge worked just fine.

Is there a way to reset it?

Any suggestions?

Here's a description: 1993 block with flat top pistons. Newer rings and crank. GM performance vortec heads with thinner head gaskets, roller cam from newer TA, Edelbrock RPM intake, Summit headers, and holley double pumper w/holley blue pump and regulator. All emissions removed except PCV valve. This set-up has about 5k miles on it. I bought it from a guy while it was still in his truck.

Pyrotechnic · 07-30-2007, 11:42 AM

Could the new engine have a high volume oil pump ? They tend to idle around 60 PSI.

Also, I never trust electronic oil pressure gauges, especially stock ones. Invest in a good Autogage/Autometer mechanical gauge. It won't lie, and they aren't too expensive either.

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugede...gid=2469&sid=1

Ivan D. · 07-30-2007, 12:55 PM

the only place I'd install a mechanical pressure gauge would be outside the cab on top of the hood, this way when the line blows it ain't gonna spill hot oil all over my feet and the dash electrics. I do happen to like my gauges inside the cab, however so no mechanical gauges for me, well except for the vacuum gauge of course.

**Captkaos** · 07-30-2007, 01:29 PM

what sending unit are you using?

Pyrotechnic · 07-30-2007, 05:58 PM

If you are scared of the whole oil inside the cab deal, then the Autometer electronic gauges are fairly good these days and you can get a pretty reliable reading.

77 and under trucks do have a mechanical oil pressure gauge right from the factory though. My 77 had one and all the tubing was there, intact, and the gauge still worked. I opted not to use it because it maxed out at 60 PSI, and this is where the new motor idles, which wouldn't show an excessive pressure condition.

07-30-2007, 10:15 AM	#1
psuchemboy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: PITTSBURGH Posts: 10	Oil pressure gauge spiked!! Well I got my "newer" motor in my truck now. I put a new temp sensor in because my old one never moved unless it was almost overheating. WOW... It now works after all these years. I put a new oil sender/switch on that Autozone told me would fit. I get everything together and the oil gauge is spiked when running and at 90 when off. It is also at 90 when unplugged. Damn... I put the old sender/switch back on. Now it reads about 60 at all times. Before I fussed with the whole project the oil gauge worked just fine. Is there a way to reset it? Any suggestions? Here's a description: 1993 block with flat top pistons. Newer rings and crank. GM performance vortec heads with thinner head gaskets, roller cam from newer TA, Edelbrock RPM intake, Summit headers, and holley double pumper w/holley blue pump and regulator. All emissions removed except PCV valve. This set-up has about 5k miles on it. I bought it from a guy while it was still in his truck. __________________ 1980 K10 Bonanza ... "the purple beast" Truck has the rare square headlight frontend = $40+ for each headlight bezel = half the damn parts I need to buy are for a 1981..

07-30-2007, 11:42 AM	#2
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: Oil pressure gauge spiked!! Could the new engine have a high volume oil pump ? They tend to idle around 60 PSI. Also, I never trust electronic oil pressure gauges, especially stock ones. Invest in a good Autogage/Autometer mechanical gauge. It won't lie, and they aren't too expensive either. http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugede...gid=2469&sid=1 Last edited by Pyrotechnic; 07-30-2007 at 11:44 AM.

07-30-2007, 12:55 PM	#3
Ivan D. glamoros piece o' lowlife Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Redford, MI Posts: 1,164	Re: Oil pressure gauge spiked!! the only place I'd install a mechanical pressure gauge would be outside the cab on top of the hood, this way when the line blows it ain't gonna spill hot oil all over my feet and the dash electrics. I do happen to like my gauges inside the cab, however so no mechanical gauges for me, well except for the vacuum gauge of course. __________________ The more I drink, the more I drink, the more I drink... diesel, reg cab, long bed, 4 across the rear, single stack, wooden stakes, and lotsa lights - the Hay Express

07-30-2007, 01:29 PM	#4
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: Oil pressure gauge spiked!! what sending unit are you using? __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

07-30-2007, 05:58 PM	#5
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: Oil pressure gauge spiked!! If you are scared of the whole oil inside the cab deal, then the Autometer electronic gauges are fairly good these days and you can get a pretty reliable reading. 77 and under trucks do have a mechanical oil pressure gauge right from the factory though. My 77 had one and all the tubing was there, intact, and the gauge still worked. I opted not to use it because it maxed out at 60 PSI, and this is where the new motor idles, which wouldn't show an excessive pressure condition.



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