HElP low oil pressure 3.1L

[Guest]

I just bought a 1996 Beretta Z26 3.1L and the oil pressure gauge reads real low like about 10psi at idle and about 23psi at 2000rpm I dont know if there could be a problem with the gauge or maybe something more serious. The oil is full but it will need a change soon. please help me out!!! It runs fine though no funny sounds or acting up.

does not leak at all form anywhere have checked those areas quite well.

But i did find the stock specs for the 3.1l and they say that the oil pressure should be at
30-s5psi@2000rpm does this mean 30psi at 2000rpm?? if so then I should be ok because I am at about 23-25psi at 2000rpm and as I said it needs an oil and filter change plus I read that cars with over 80,000 will have a little less oil pressure then cars with less millage.

[Decipha]

could possibly be the seals going bad, check for leaks at the valve covers, the intake gasket tends to leak on the trany and maybe possibly the rear main, get under the car and remove the starter housing (2x 10mm bolts) and see if their is any oil residue in their... while you under there check the oil pan, it may be leaking as well.  I know you said it's full but a leak can also cause the pressure to drop

do you hear any tapping noise while the engine is idleing?

[Decipha]

oh yeah... also check around the oil filter... make sure its on tight, and the adapter that the oil filter mounts too also has a good seal... check to make sure where it connects to the block isin't leaking either

[speedygtz]

hey while were on the subject can someone tell me why my oil pressure bounces all around like a pin ball in a pin ball machine and unless idling its all over the place?

[NewNann]

Its more than likely your oil pressure sensor, its directly above your starter threaded right into the block. When you get the new one make sure the store knows you have a gauge and not a light. I had to take off my oil filter to be able to unbolt the starter and set it aside so I could reach up to the sensor. Your engine still has oil pressure, so don't worry too much. Just replace the sensor.