Miata Mailing List: December 1993, Message #198
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   From: suskind@isdev1.melpar.esys.com (Barry A. Suskind)
Subject: Re: Oil pressure
   Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1993 07:41:51 -0500

[uunet!cactus.org!boyle (Craig Boyle)] Writes:
> 
> a
> 
> How am I supposed to "use" the oil pressure gauge?, i.e. what is
> too much, or not enough.
> 
> Cruising along at 55 my oil pressure reads a whisker short of 60,
> I'm currently using Syntec 5/50.
> 
> Thanks for any input, I've never owned a car with an oil pressure
> gauge before.
> 
> 
> Craig
> 
> 
> 

Using an oil pressure gauge is like using any other gauge rather than
an idiot light. 

With an oil pressure gauge you can visually see your oil is cold when you 
first startup because it will usually stay pinned to the 90 mark. This is
an indication you should not rev too high until the oil heats up.

The other thing is you notice the gauge usually read 55-60. You should note
this and when the oil pressure is about 30 you know you have trouble. Also
note what the gauge reads at idle. If it drops you may have trouble. In either
of these cases you may have a worn oil pump, clogged inlet to the oil pump,
worn main bearing, or other problem.

If the gauge reads too high you may have a problem on the outlet of the oil
pump. By reading the gauge you may avoid a total engine rebuild or replacement
due to lack of oil.

Same is true of the temperature gauge. Best to see the temp. raising near the
hot mark and doing something about it rather than waiting for the light and a
possible warped head.

Now if I only had a volt or amp gauge.....

pressure gauge suddenly reads too high, even after the 
-----  Barry A. Suskind, Information Services, E-Systems Melpar Division -----
----------------  7700 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22046 ----------------
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