Yesterday I had a friend (Fiero rebody owner) drive my car. He had several comments about the car. One of them being that at idle my oil guage would be setting close to the red zone. He mentioned that this was a problem. I said that it was normal. (Remembering a thread from awhile ago here in the forum.) So I am curious to know from you folks if I have a problem or is this normal? Thanks

As long as it is OUT of the red zone at idle and goes up immediately with RPM then it's pretty normal. Engines with a high volume pump and three oil galleries with restrictors on the uppers are going to idle with thirty to forty pounds pressure hot. These owners can then point out little details where mass produced engines differ.

It's a *normal* indication that the engine has some miles on it. A new V6 will hold 30-40 PSI at idle. The mains and rod bearings are likely getting loose. Normal wear and tear.

Unless the gauge sinks below 10 PSI or it starts to make noise at idle, leave it.

But, yes it's getting loose.

Terry

Regardless of what it shows I would not get too excited until I checked the actual oil pressure with a reliable gauge. Fiero guages are not known for high accuracy.

dash gauges in most cars are off.... always check with a good mech gauge.

How would you check with a mechanical gauge? Can the same gauge be used for the Iron Duck and the 2.8? I'll have one of each pretty soon.

Take out the electric sender and screw in the tubing from the mech guage in the hole, fire it up and read the numbers. Should even work on a Yugo (but not a chainsaw)

It also depends on what oil you use. If you use 5W-30 on a high milage engine your pressure will be down. I know that everybody says 5W-30 is what the dealer recommends etc but I use 20W-50 in summer and 10W-40 in winter and have always had the gauge read 40psi at idle cold, 25psi idle hot, and 60psi under hard acceleration. (floored from 0 to ??) Right now my car has 85,000 and the oil pressure reads the same as it did in 1986. I have used the same grade and brand of oil for 14 years! Come to think of it I have used the same grade/brand of gasoline too! I guess I'm considered a loyal customer.
Think they'll give me a discount?