Oil pressure gauge is high

[GaFJC]

I change my oil last weekend from Valvoline SynPower 5W-30 with Valvoline filter (4k miles) to an OEM filter (90915-YZZD3) and Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 advanced full synthetic.

My oil gauge went from reading just under ¼ at idle at just under ½ at 2500 to 3000 RPMS to now reading just over ½ at idle as much as ¾ at 2500 to 3000 RPMS.

It’s never done this before regardless of the filter and/or synthetic oil combination.

I’ve checked the oil level repeatedly (reads full), the oil weight is the same, temp gauge is normal and no leaks. 134K miles on the clock.

Could the extra cleaning additive in the Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 dislodged sludge and partially plugging the oil sending unit? When I replaced the valve cover gaskets 12 months ago they weren't overly bad but were not as clean as I would have hoped.

Could it be a defective oil filter?

Again it’s never done this before…

 

[chitown40]

I'd be inclined to say that your readings on your oil pressure gauge AFTER the oil change are more in line with the norm. However, the correct way to check if you are getting correct oil pressure is to plumb in an actual pressure gauge and take your readings and compare them to the specs provided in the FSM. If you are suspecting a bad oil filter, you could certainly swap it out with another filter. What are they 4 bucks or so? It would be the quickest and least expensive albeit not as scientific test to confirm your suspicions of a bad filter. Your best bet would be to do both of the above since you've had a certain oil pressure gauge reading for quite some time and you are now seeing a change that is probably not due to wear (lower oil pressure is more common with wear). Good luck and post back with your results/findings.

 

[LC100]

Shouldn't be worrying about it as higher oil pressure means your engine is actually running healthy. If you said your oil pressure was lower before that tells you your last oil filter wasnt that great (assuming oil/filter is the only thing ypu changed since the change in pressure). Be glad it is higher :]
Stick with oem filters imo

 

[OregonLC]

My only concern would be that the pressure sender is right at the oil cooler (IIRC) and it could be that the bypass pressure of the filter is different. Good different or bad different I don't know.

 

[hankinid]

My oil gauge went from reading just under ¼ at idle at just under ½ at 2500 to 3000 RPMS to now reading just over ½ at idle as much as ¾ at 2500 to 3000 RPMS.

Could the extra cleaning additive in the Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 dislodged sludge and partially plugging the oil sending unit?

Could it be a defective oil filter?

My readings on the oem gauge are identical to yours after an oil change, maybe a half-notch or so lower as she approaches her change every 7500 or so.

A partially blocked sender should read a bit lower than a clean one.

I'd agree that the bypass relief pressure may be different between your old and new filters...I see the same numbers between Toy, Wix, NAPA Gold, and Mobil 1 filters. Oil is M1 5W-30.

hth

Steve

 

[GaFJC]

Thanks to all that posted and sorry for the delay in responding - I've been traveling.

I decided to switch back to Valvoline SynPower 5W-30 with Valvoline filter. I was concerned the Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 special additives may have been causing the higher gauge readings due to the additives "conditioning" and/or swelling certain components.

All gauge readings are now back within what the manual states is normal.

I went to one of the Valvoline drive thru centers for the oil change and they use their filters (of course). Next time will be DIY with an OEM filter and Valvoline SynPower 5W-30. We'll see what the gauge does then.