Gradually decreasing oil pressure

[Begle1]

My oil pressure gauge seems to be decreasing a little bit gradually...

The needle always used to hang out beween the first and second mark, more twards the second mark... Now, cruising on the freeway, it sticks right on the first mark, and the highest it ever gets is halfway between the first and second mark...

Is there anything that can cause a gradual oil pressure decrease like that? Should I get a real pressure gauge, or is it just due to the 108 degree temperatures and I shouldn't worry about it?

The oil level is right a the op ofthe "safe" level...

[wannadiesel]

I'd try a real gauge. It sounds like the sender is going bad.

[Begle1]

This morning on the way to school the damn thing was riding on top of the second dash mark, which is higher than it's ever been before... So I thing that I concur with your diagnosis.

Ever see somebody mount an aftermarket gauge in the stock cluster?

What's the pressure range of the oil?

[dpuckett]

I have seen 75psi cold; 50psi hot idle. I think the book calls for something low like 30psi at rated speed and 10 at idle (someone with a book double check my memory, though). I dont pay too much attention to my gauge- it is no better than an idiot light.

DP

[Ace]

I think those book numbers are strictly to support declining warranty work. I'd be planning an overhaul if I had a engine running 10/30 idle/rated oil pressure.

[meby]

mine never goes below 40psi @ hot idle and have seen as much as 80psi right after a cold start when I cruise down the road. I have a mechanical oil pressure gauge.

[GasganoFJ60]

I had that problem on mine. When I switched to synthetic is caused all of the sludge from 214K miles to fall and settle in the bottom of the pan and clog the oil pump.
But Id either try a real gauge or replace your sender first. Its cheaper troubleshooting than just running out and dumping $500+ on a new pump.