Low Oil Pressure At Idle

[Brian in Tucson]

Originally Posted by gabedrummin

Low Oil Pressure At Idle ? Is there any way to increase idle oil pressure ?Can the gears in the oil pump be replaced. Is the only recourse to replace the motor.Oil pressure off idle is fine . Only when stopped with hot motor will oil light blink.Motor runs great.No noise.

How many miles on the engine? Oil pumps almost never wear out. Bearings do and there are a whole lot of bearings in these engines. And past experience on other engines has taught me that low oil pressure at idle indicates a worn engine.

Sorry. I think you need a replacement. Or just live with the low oil pressure for a while--it could last for years.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

How many miles on the engine? Oil pumps almost never wear out. Bearings do and there are a whole lot of bearings in these engines. And past experience on other engines has taught me that low oil pressure at idle indicates a worn engine.

Sorry. I think you need a replacement. Or just live with the low oil pressure for a while--it could last for years.

Can't agree. These engine's are known for weak or weakening oil pump oil pressure relief valve springs, Porsche even released an update kit with a spring and updated piston to address the problem, retail cost around $20 and 5 min. DIY to change.

Before thinking about replacement engines, I would:


1. First check the actual oil pressure with a known gauge, you wouldn't be the first with a bad sender.
2. Get the updated parts and install them.

[Gilles]

Gabe, are you using 0-40W oil? since you live in Houston you may want to try 5-40W next time to see if it helps with the low pressure at idle..?

[gabedrummin]

Thank you guys I am using 5w40 royal purple.Porsche was not happy with my chose.I have seen the updated spring and plunger . My only concern is the new piston has a chamfer on one end . I would assume the chamfer edge face down.but dont know for sure? You guys and this forum rock..!

[AZ986S]

I just had this problem last summer. See post below. Not saying that is your problem and I'm sure there are other things that the cause low oil pressure like worn bearings etc...

Accusump install

For me, it ended up being a valve spring that broke, taking out the hydraulic lifter and valve keeper debris being swallowed through the bank 2 scavenge pump and main oil pump. This in turn damaged the oil pump gears and aluminum pump cassette walls. So the moral of the story for me was that I tried different oils, installed the upgraded pressure relief piston and spring etc... to no avail, until I dropped the oil sump to discover the debris. The oil pump and cassette are about $500 and probably a PIA to replace with the engine in...