My car has been through the ringer over the past year...

I installed an oil pressure gauge to monitor oil pressure, as I've had issues in the past.


Here's my problem....

When I start the car in the morning, It idles at 70 PSI or so...

Everything seems fine.

I took it out for a quick test run, and VTEC engaged normally... after the first pull -- The oil pressure drops.

It then idles at around 25 PSI, and cruising pressure drops to around 40psi.

At this point, the car won't hit over 50psi, even at higher revs...


Could the VTEC solenoid be stuck or damaged, causing the oil pressure to drop while I cruise around at 3,000 rpm's or so?

Can the VTEC solenoid (since it uses oil pressure) be damaged causing my pressure drop?


I am going to switch from Mobil1 10W30 to 10w40 today to see if that helps get the pressure up.


This is totally throwing me for a loop...


Also, because the Comptech blower uses the engine oil, would it be normal for me to see less oil preesure than say a stock motor?

I was told to add between a half and a full quart more oil to account for the extra oil needed to run through the oil feed and return lines of the blower.


Thanks,
Matt

 

Sorry, I'm not qualified enough to run "aftermarket gauges"...


I wasn't sure, so I asked...


There's still a problem.


The oil pressure won't go above 40-50 psi after an initial pull through the VTEC range.


I realize that the pressure will drop, but it shouldn't be dropping THAT much.

 

So what did Mase think about it? Does it still drop down to 25 psi at idle if you never hit the VTEC range with it?

 

It didn't happen then... I hooked up the gauges 2 days after my tune... Bad timing.

 

Where is the gauge plumbed into?

 

It's Tee'd off where the stock sensor is... near the oil filter.

 

That's an alarming pressure drop, I think.

If you ask most knowledgeable engine builders they will tell you 10 psi for each 1000 rpm is what's healthy for an engine.

At the pressure you are seeing, 50 psi @ 9000 rpm...... I would be concerned. You see, the low press problem compounds when you increase power output. The more power, the more heat and force exerted onto the crank. The film of oil between in the journal bearings prevents metal to metal contact and it's "supported" by the pressure provided by the oiling system. At the same time, the oil carries away the heat from the crank/ rods.

What weight oil are you using? Is that the "normal" pressure drop for the CT supercharger you are using - same experienced by others?

10W30 viscocity is rather low viscocity so may want to try higher viscocity oil, though that's not the way to solve the low-press problem because for stock bearing clearances, the factory recommended oil should suffice.

 

What are the qualifications to run aftermarket gauges? I already have them and was wondering where I can apply to be a qualified owner and user of them

 

the solution to your problem is to buy my cf engine puzzle kit made for vortech sc

 

if vtec is still engaging then I think your oil pressure is fine. Might just be the gauge.