oil pressure in hot weather

[turboaddict2]

currently I'm running 10W30 synthetic. It was 95 today in NJ and my oil pressure gauge was reading under 10 psi. The car was idling at 750 rpm. I think it was maybe like 8 or 9 psi at idle. Are these normal readings in hot weather? should I use thicker oil like 10W40?

 

[WarpSpeed]

That's about right for a stock oiling system, actually, pretty good. I have used 10-40 in the summer time, no problem.
The oil pump booster plate is an affective upgrade, if you are concerned, and will give you 4-5 psi more in same conditions.

 

[turboaddict2]

oil pump booster plate

which vendor sells a good pump booster plate?

 

[WarpSpeed]

Many of the turbo buick vendors sell them, as do many auto parts stores. I have 2, one from kenni-bell I got along time ago, and one that came with a Melling kit, I think. The KB plate lined up with the galleys/ports in the pump cover and oil pump housing better, IMO. I didn't use the melling kit as it didn't line up good enough, however, I could have adjusted it had I been so inclined.

 

[VinPecora]

i have no problems using 10 40 either.

 

[Steve Wood]

altho that should be okay if the pressure jumps rapidly when you touch the gas, that is low from most stock engines I have seen.

I think it might be time to check the pump out for excessive wear and scoring in the housing. If the pressure does not jump immediately with any input to the gas pedal, might be time to pull the pan and see if the pick up screen is plugged with nylon particles from the timing gear.....

 

[Two Lane]

While Buzzard Rock is not as warm as Armadillo county in Teximexico, I've used Mobil 1 0-30W for years, & idle OP is 10lbs, 55-60lbs. top end.

 

[turboaddict2]

oil pressure rising when hitting gas

yes as soon as I hit the gas the oil pressure rises and I get 10 psi at 1000 rpm

 

[Peeling GN]

Um i thought sythetic oils are bad for TR.......

 

[Ellis]

What kind of oil temps do you hot climate folk see?

I'm in FL, and we get toasty here too. I know the rule of thumb is 10psi for every 1,000rpm makes a happy engine, but I always like to see a little more, especially at idle.
When you get 10psi at idle, anybody know the oil temperatures? Seems like a good cooler would bring the pressure up a bit.

 

[FlyinGN]

nope. Just the opossite is true. Turbos will live longer using synethic oil. The tremendous heat generated by a turbo in the heat of the summer under boost will coke mineral based oil in a few minutes. This wil not happen to synethics..

Originally posted by Peeling GN
Um i thought sythetic oils are bad for TR.......

 

[bgn87]

I have always used Mobil 1 always used 10W30 up until last year. I went to 10W40 in the summer but haven't really noticed much of a difference except 1-2 psi when hot. I tried the booster plate (Melling from NAPA) and I actually ported it like the Buick Power Source said. Again only noticed about 2 psi increase. I got a few more psi by installing PTE's turbo saver when I got my turbo. That gave me about 5 psi. On a hot day it is usually in the 20psi range at idel now!

 

[1quick6]

My car, which has a stock oiling system, will make 10 psi on the nose in hot summer weather. While I felt it was low, it jumps right up with throttle and at cruise (45mph) it will hold at 45-50psi. When it is cold, like under 50, the car will usually hold 20-25 psi. This is with Mobil 1 10W30.