Osakakev Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 Hi, Should my oil pressure gauge show a reading when the engine is off / key on? I'm trying to figure out if I have a faulty gauge/sensor. It's a non standard and goes from 0 to max bar when key is on and then settles on 6.5 bar. My reading when engine on is very high and I'm hoping it's due to down to the gauge/sensor Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willsy1980 Posted July 14, 2022 Share Posted July 14, 2022 Stock gauge: Pressure should show 0 when not running idle 60 psi cold idle 14-30 psi hot 30-60 psi under hard acceleration when hot They do vary, but the gauge is not the most accurate. If it shows anything above 0 when running and oil level is correct i'd say you're fine. For your aftermarket one, sounds faulty. I'd just get it and the sensor replaced. 6.5 bar is about 95 psi ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osakakev Posted July 14, 2022 Author Share Posted July 14, 2022 Thank you. It's now just over 9 bar on key on engine off this morning and not started engine since last engine off reading so not sure how it's increased... Picture attached with engine off It's a fairly new gauge and sensor about 1 year old as I was having issues with low/no readings (albeit it's a cheap one). It was working fine and in spec until I had a new radiator fitted and service (oil changed from 5w30 to 5w40). I'm worried it's a faulty oil filter or something but if it's showing high before engine on then definitely must be the gauge/sensor/wiring? If I cold start the engine it goes way past 10 bar and then will slowly come down to 7 bar ish when fully warmed up and move up/down during acceleration. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 14, 2022 Share Posted July 14, 2022 (edited) 100% something wrong with the sensor or the gauge. When the engine is off, the oil pump won't be running so there can't be any pressure on the sensor as there isn't a pump running to create any. Do you have the correct sensor for the gauge? ie, you have a 10bar gauge so you need a 10bar sensor. Is it wired correctly? Edited July 14, 2022 by daveo132 I can't spell..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osakakev Posted July 14, 2022 Author Share Posted July 14, 2022 Yes correct sensor for the gauge and it was all wired up correctly by auto electrician and working (with as expected readings). Once it was serviced and new radiator was fitted it was immediately giving higher readings. Not sure what could have caused it but at least it safe to drive Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 14, 2022 Share Posted July 14, 2022 That is very odd. That said I've heard some iffy things about VDO gauges but none of them backed up. But simply put, engine not running should = 0 pressure. If you want peace of mind on it, get it checked with a mechanical pressure gauge. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osakakev Posted July 14, 2022 Author Share Posted July 14, 2022 I had it checked with a mechanical pressure gauge around 1 year ago but can't do any harm to check again. Definitely showing a reading before engine is switched on so don't need to worry about incorrect oil or dodgy filter now! Probably should buy a decent gauge and sensor this time haha 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 14, 2022 Share Posted July 14, 2022 Don't worry I know how you feel. My OEM one packed up, then a new sensor was giving very low readings. Got it checked by a garage to confirm ok, then ripped it all out and replaced. Best thing I did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osakakev Posted July 14, 2022 Author Share Posted July 14, 2022 My car came with the aftermarket sensor and gauge (fresh import) and immediately starting giving low pressure warnings so I replaced with the cheap one as couldn't find an Auto Gauge one to match. Which one did you buy? I want to replace everything (sensor, gauge, wiring etc) Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 14, 2022 Share Posted July 14, 2022 Mine are Prosport (which look exactly like yours). Bought from rspec.co.uk Their 60mm gauges are a perfect fit and I've had no issues with any of them. Have a look on my thread for some pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osakakev Posted July 14, 2022 Author Share Posted July 14, 2022 Great thank you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 14, 2022 Share Posted July 14, 2022 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkLadyZ Posted July 22, 2022 Share Posted July 22, 2022 So my z always runs at 60 on my oil gauge and hardly never goes above. Last night the car is running great and I look up and my oil gauge says 90. So I'm concerned because it's never done this before so changed the oil and filter this morning and now it's pegged at 120 when I start it. What in the world is the issue. I've read pleasure value and oil pressure sensor. Which one to do first cause money is an issue right now and my Pink Lady Z is my only transportation. Any help or knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Pink Lady Z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveo132 Posted July 23, 2022 Share Posted July 23, 2022 It's got to be either the sensor or the gauge. When my OEM gauge died it went to 120 before the engine was on so must be an open circuit or something. Also, I wouldn't expect the car to be at 60PSI at all times. Once the car is hot. Idle pressure will be much closer to 15/20PSI. Having gone through this myself, the engine will be fine. It will be the sensor or gauge and if you really want to be sure, get a garage to hook up a mechanical pressure gauge to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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