Strange Oil Pressure - help ?

[jayell]

Hi there,

I've been lurking on here for a little while and have tried to solve this problem using Search, but I can't find anyone whose car has the same symptoms.

So you know what I'm talking about, the oil pressure gauge in the dash goes High - 2 o'clock - 3 o'clock - 4 o'clock - Low. You know what I mean

The oil pressure on my 2002 GX-R i.e 1FZ-FE motor, has always been 3 o'clock on tickover and between 3 o'clock and High when moving, until recently when it would drop at times drop to 4 o'clock when moving at times.

Not being fan of changes like this, I had the workshop install a new oil pump (which is another story in itself, but never mind).
This has not fixed it (I thought it would be the pressure adjusting part of the pump, but it's all one piece, isn't it?)

What bugs me is that at times it's fine, sitting at 2 o'clock, and at other times it's dropping off as described above. The pressure never drops below 3 o'clock at tickover, and bizarrely, when it's really low, backing off the gas will bring the pressure back up.

Should I be concerned ? Anyone know what I'm talking about ?

[stocknlocked94]

Mine has started to do the same thing after getting my compressor fixed. However, I have the low oil pressure light and am not too worried unless that amber oil light starts to flash.

[SWUtah]

sounds like a problem with the gauge

[Landpimp]

or sensor

Originally Posted by SWUtah

sounds like a problem with the gauge

[cruiser100]

The stock oil pressure reading/gauge is just there as a guide, not gospel.

My gauge reads low at idle, high cruising and just about everywhere else depending on temp and other environmentals. I threw a mechanical gauge on and saw what I expected, small variations based on throttle position - engine revs up, pressure gets a little higher.

My guess would be that you are either seeing the normal activity of the stock gauge/sensor set-up, or, as others noted, have a faulty component.

A mechanical gauge is about the only way you're going to know for sure without a trip to a mechanic.

[Yoakum14]

I have the same problem but my mechanic states that its the gauge itself

[jayell]

Update - it was the sender in the end.

I fitted a new one yesterday and the gauge is reading fine now, 1/4 to 1/2 on tickover, 1/2 to 3/4 when running. Easy to do as well - I'd recommend that anyone who has oil pressure concerns replaces this part before anything else.

I wish I'd known this before having the oil pump replaced........but never mind.

[ToyotaDon]

This was a common issue for Tundra & Sequoia with the 2UZ-FE. There was even a TSB (EL017-03) issued, saying to replace the sending unit.

[jayell]

By the way - when I was out testing the car after changing the sender, a person in a Honda Accord decided that she would, indeed, take that left turn after all. Shame she was parked in my lane when making her mind up...........

[e9999]

Originally Posted by jayell

By the way - when I was out testing the car after changing the sender, a person in a Honda Accord decided that she would, indeed, take that left turn after all. Shame she was parked in my lane when making her mind up...........

ouch! sorry to see that! glad you sound OK


so much for strong TJM bumpers or did the Accord jump up there?

[jayell]

To be honest I'd rather the bumper deflected then just transmitted all the crash energy to the chassis. And trust me - the Accord (which was pretty much stationery when I hit at 40mph or so) came off a LOT worse - there was no boot (OK - trunk ) left at all, and it had to be lifted away. I just drove home..........well after the police came out anyway.

[hoser]

ouchie, maybe consider throwing the 2006+ front end on there since you'll have to replace most, if not all the parts.

[jayell]

I was thinking that but I guess it's up to the workshop and their arrangements with the insurance company. To be honest, I'm not that fussed, I just want it back

[hoser]

I hear you. Are you going to go with the same TJM front bumper or something else?

[jayell]

I'm going to see if it's repairable. It was only fitted a week before the crash, and I got it for $0 off a mate here, plus it's aluminium and weighs next to nothing. The car is mainly used for dune driving so every kg counts, and I'm not a fan of putting a 90kg bumper on the front of the car !!

[e9999]

aluminum, eh? that explains it. My guess is that a steel ARB type would have allowed much less -if any- damage.

[jayell]

Or bent the chassis, writing the car off

[e9999]

Originally Posted by jayell

Or bent the chassis, writing the car off

possibly but not obvious. You'd tie the 2 frame rails together more securely so spread the stress on both instead of just one. But sorry about the sidetracking, back to oil (or is that a minor issue for you right now? )

[NMuzj100]

I posted this thread and the TSB ToyotaDon referenced in the TSB FAQ thread.

Anyone have a copy of the full TSB ?