I have 1988 GT with the original stock 2.8L V6. When I first start it, the oil pressure reads around 60 lbs. Once it is warm and running it reads around 35 lbs. When I stop for a traffic light, it drops to about 20 lbs. while idling. When I resume driving it settles in around 35 lbs. Is this about normal? What is the normal oil pressure operating range while driving?

The car runs fine and the engine does not smoke, rattle or make any weird noises. I do notice a general loss of power when starting out and when climbing slight inclines. I changed the oil and the oil, fuel and air filters, as well as the PVC valve. The car still has the original catalytic converter .

That sounds about right.Mine runs 65 lbs cold and 38 to 40 lbs while driving.Idle is 25 or so.

Oh, great. That sounds good. I was worried that I had yet another little problem to address. Just when I get a little frustrated with the car, someone will see me drive by and give me a big thumbs up. That puts a little spring in my step, like a proud papa!

quote Originally posted by fiero5150: Oh, great. That sounds good. I was worried that I had yet another little problem to address. Just when I get a little frustrated with the car, someone will see me drive by and give me a big thumbs up. That puts a little spring in my step, like a proud papa!

oil thins as you drive, engine warms up that's why you are getting the readings you are getting and nothing unusual. I think I read in one of the factory manuals that reading as low as 2 lbs. is nothing to worry about at idle, if they get that low I do worry but that's me and acceptable my the manufacturer anyway back in the 80s anyway.

Steve

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V6, VIN-9, 30-45 PSIG

Sorry, low pressure when idle is trouble. You will get lower and lower pressure at idle.

You need a mech gauge to check because dash gauge can lie.

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A mechanical gauge hooked up to where the oil pressure sensor attaches will give you pretty accurate readings. You can't go off of the stock Fiero gauges because they are notoriously inaccurate to the point of being no help at all in most cases.

reduced oil pressure at warm idle is pretty normal. What you have to worry about is if you notice a drop in oil pressure while at speed. It's usually followed by kissing your current engine goodbye.