Updated at: 04-04-2022 - By: micdot

Is there a solution to this problem?

You’ll need to stop at a gas station first, of course. The oil pressure gauge, on the other hand, is something to be concerned about. It’s been a while since you’ve looked at it. You may not even be aware of it.While the engine is running, the oil pressure gauge should read between 25 and 65 PSI. If it rises above 80 PSI, you’ve got a problem with excessive oil pressure. Engine performance is impacted when this occurs.What is the cause of excessive oil pressure? There are a number of people to blame, including:

The Sending Unit Has a Problem

Failure of the Relief Valves

Passage of Oil is Clogged

Filter for Engine Oil that Needs to Be Changed

Type and Grade of Oil

Fortunately, we’ll go through each of these in great detail in this article. The importance of high oil pressure will also be discussed.After that, we’ll talk about the importance of regular oil changes for engine balance and address some often asked questions about high oil pressure.But before we get into the nitty-gritty of how an engine lubrication system works, let’s take a look at the fundamentals.

Let’s get this party started right away!

List of Chapters

The Basics Behind An Engine Lubrication System

What is a lubrication system? Types of lubrication systems.

Pan

The engine’s oil pan can be found towards the engine’s bottom. Oil is stored in this tank before being poured into the engine. Most have a capacity of 4 to 6 quarts.

Pickup Tube

The pickup tube transports the oil from the pan to the oil pump as soon as you turn the key.

Oil Pump

An oil pump’s job is to move oil from one part of the system to another. To avoid excessive friction, this ensures that all moving parts are properly lubricated.

Pressure Relief Valve

A piston, a spring, and a stopper make up the oil pressure release valve. Normal operating conditions mean that the valve is fully expanded, allowing oil to flow freely. This causes the piston to move against the spring, allowing more air to pass through, and so reducing the pressure.

Oil Filter

Dirt, dust, and metal flakes can be found in the oil as it travels through the system. When it comes to the oil filter, nothing beats it. Unwanted particles are forced out of the way when the oil flows through under pressure.

Spurt Holes and Galleries

Spurt holes and galleries are places where oil can seep out of the system and into the environment. The pistons, rings, pins, bearings, and cylinders are all properly lubricated by them. The oil has returned to the pan at this point, having finished its voyage.

What Is High Oil Pressure And Why Does It Matter?

By definition, high oil pressure indicates that oil flow is constrained in some manner.A blockage, a broken component, or a problem with the oil itself may be to blame. There is a standard pressure range of 25 to 65 pounds per square inch (psi). An issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible if this range is exceeded.Any engine’s health is dependent on the quality of its lubricant. Without it, heat builds up, resulting in a dangerous overheating situation. When this occurs, the engine’s block can shatter or the head gasket can blow.Resolving just one of these situations would be exceedingly expensive (if a repair is even possible at all). Therefore, the best course of action is to respond immediately if you notice any indicators of excessive oil pressure.

High Oil Pressure: Causes & Treatment | Car Bibles

What Causes High Oil Pressure?

Faulty Sending Unit

The dash gauge in your car is controlled by the oil pressure transmitting unit. You’ll get inaccurate results if it’s broken in any way. Manually inspecting the oil pressure is the only technique to look for this type of failure.Need an oil pressure gauge and the adapter that fits your car for this task (we suggest using an oil pressure test kit).Make sure the engine has cooled down to the point where it’s safe to work on. Put the vehicle in park or neutral and use the hand brake to slow down. Locate the sending device next (usually found near the oil pan). When you remove the transmitting unit, you’re likely to encounter some oil drips, so be prepared with an oil drip pan.

Connect the pressure gauge, start the engine, and maintain a constant engine speed of 2,500 to 4,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) for 15 to 20 seconds.Consult your owner’s manual to determine your vehicle’s proper operating range. It’s best to rule out a fault with the gauge if it shows that the pressure is within acceptable limits. Otherwise, a bad sending unit is to blame.If you want to hire a professional, you may expect to pay roughly $100 for the service.

Relief Valve Malfunction

If you recall, the relief valve consists of only a piston, a spring, and a stopper, so it’s not particularly complicated. Oil flow is regulated and the engine is protected from high-pressure damage as a result.How can you tell whether the problem is with the relief valve?

It’s impossible to know for sure without really looking at it. Nonetheless, if the pressure doesn’t rise to expected levels after you start your automobile and drive it for a while, you may have a relief valve malfunction.Fortunately, a thorough cleaning should take no more than a few minutes.

Blocked Oil Passage

Oil pressure can be caused by several factors, including a reduction in oil flow. An obstruction is one possibility, and it warrants immediate attention. Sludge or carbon accumulation along the oil flow is frequently the cause of this.It takes a long time and costs a lot of money to clear a clog. It requires specific tools and in-depth understanding of how to breakdown the system. The process involves cleaning of the lubricating system. Passage lines, orifice dowels and plugs, as well as any other auxiliary components that may be required.Oil system flushing products, which cost $30 to $60, are available, but hiring a professional is your best bet.

Dirty Oil Filter

You’ll need to replace your oil filter after roughly 3,000 miles if yours isn’t up to par.Debris clogs them up, making them less effective.The flow of oil is impeded when there is too much of it.Sputtering or metallic noises, decreased engine performance, and black, sooty exhaust are all signs that your oil filter needs to be cleaned.

You may either do it yourself at home or have it done for you by a mechanic for $35 to $75.Expect to pay up to $125 for synthetic oil if your engine requires it.

Oil Quality/Grade

The viscosity of motor oil, in case you didn’t know, is a measure of the oil’s thickness (also known as oil weight). It will move through the system more easily if it is thinner. More pressure is required for it to circulate in thicker materials.

If you want to know what the manufacturer recommends for viscosity, look in your manual. Finally, take into account where you live.The thicker your oil should be, the warmer your climate is. Warm climates call for thick oil. Thinner oil, such as 5W, is appropriate in cold weather. In addition, you can choose from a variety of mineral and synthetic oils, or a combination of both.Known for their potential to enhance engine health, synthetics are not suitable for every engine.

The Importance of Changing Your Engine Oil

The Importance of Oil Change Maintenance - Murfreesboro Auto Repair

An oil change every 3,000 to 4,000 miles is often recommended by mechanics. But today’s vehicles can go up to 10,000 miles before needing a new oil change, thanks to advances in design and engineering. What matters is that you stay on track. The more time passes, the more likely it is that you will do damage to your vehicle’s engine. Oil breaks down and thickens with age. A heavier oil requires greater pressure to go through the system, as you may be aware. It thickens and wears out your engine as a result of accumulating more pollutants, such as dirt, dust, or metal shavings.

High Oil Pressure FAQ

Final Thoughts

Repairing a car is never nice, but it’s preferable to fix it early rather than wait until it becomes worse. Diagnose the problem before it gets worse if your oil pressure gauge starts to rise. Investing a few hundred dollars now will save you thousands in the long run. The lubricating system needs to be able to accomplish its function. A regular oil change and oil filter replacement should be part of your vehicle’s upkeep.