EA81 Oil Pressure Question

[NV Zeno]

Some of you that attended WCSS may have already heard this one...

 

On the way to the Show somewhere north of Portland, I noticed my oil pressure was reading just above zero at freeway speed (around 3300 RPM). After pulling over and idling, the needle indicated normal. No unusual noises, smoking, temperature change or fluid loss...everything normal. Back on the freeway, back to "just above zero". When we hit the ramp to enter 101 in Olympia, there was a slow truck just pulling away from the curb, and we all pretty much slowed to 15 miles per hour for a few seconds. I checked the oil pressure at that time (low RPM) and it was high, about 40 lbs. Back up to freeway speed, down to almost zero (remember this is probably more than 50 miles since first discovered). Arrive at WCSS, guess what..at the low speeds around camp the car read normal.

 

Those that I talked to about this (and I) have come to the conclusion that I have a faulty oil pressure sending unit. AFIK, it's original..no record of it having been replaced.

 

I drove it all the way home after the show, no problem..no oil additions, nuthin.

 

Any opinions or confirmations?

[zstalker]

what viscosity of oil are you using? Subaru says 5w-30 is not recommended unless you're in VERY cold circumstances (just in case you're using it).

~Erik~

[NV Zeno]

what viscosity of oil are you using? Subaru says 5w-30 is not recommended unless you're in VERY cold circumstances (just in case you're using it).

~Erik~

 

I've been using 10W-30 in winter, 10W-40 in summer.

This engine has over 300,000 miles on it.

[Ross]

Most likely a dodgey sender/gauge. But I'd be certain to check that - replace them and see what happens. If it isn't, you may have a problem with your oil pickup.