Just fitted a Autometer Z-series oil pressure gauge (along with vac/boost and oil temp) to my MY03 WRX.

It's a 0 - 100psi scale model and the sender is screwed in to where the std oil pressure switch normally goes (I had to use a 12cm braided pipe to extended the feed due to space reasons).

Fitting went without drama, but when I start the engine up it's reading approx 80 psi or more !! and goes off the scale (over 100psi) if I rev the engine hard.

When the engine is off and with ignition on the meter does read zero.

Any ideas whats wrong or have I got a knackered gauge or sender unit perhaps??

Thanks,

Chris.

 

Pockman,

Can't help with the pressure reading problem, just wanted to ask where you got the braided hose from?

Cheers,

Jess

 

If the oil is cold then 80psi at tickover is normal, as is 100+ psi cold at 2,000rpm +.
When warmed up, depending on oil viscosity, tickover maybe 25-45psi and 2000rpm 70-90psi and a bit more over say 3,000 rpm. Each engine is different and obviously thin oil gives less pressure which in itself is not necessarily a bad thing.

 

Harvey, thanks for the feedback, I'll try again, looking at the readings when the engine is hot.

Jess - have a look at http://www.chiark.co.uk/scooby/gauges_pressure.asp

I used Think automotive, good service, hose was with me next day.

... don't forget to use a bit of ptfe tape on all the joints if you do go ahead and do this.

 

Thanks,

Will call them Monday.