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My 1991 cavalier 2.2L runs and starts fine at all times but i have noticed once it is warmed up my oil pressure goes right down to 0 and my "CHECK GAUGES" light comes on when i hit the gas it goes off. it also twitches sometimes when im sitting at a light but my cavalier runs fine............ im thinking it might be my oil pressure sending unit. where 'bouts is that located and how easy is it to change? thanks for ur time. Dane
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Well it could be the sending unit for the gauge. But odds are the oil pump or engine bearings are worn out. As the engine warms up, the metal spaces expand and the oil gets thinner. The oil pressure drops some under normal conditions, but not more than 10 or 15psi. Normal idle pressure with the engine warmed up is probably 25psi. You could check oil pressure with a mechanical gauge to make sure its not the sending unit. Once the oil pressure starts staying below 20psi for long periods you'll start hearing noises.
Sounds like you need to have the pressure checked with a mechanical gauge. Make sure the oil pressure sensor is in the loop when you do so the fuel pump will run. If the pressure is normal when the engine is warmed up, it could be something with the instrument cluster.
most engines run hydraulic tappets. Thes bleed down and allow a tappet problem when started until oil pressure buils up and takes up the slack. Comes from incorrect oil filter that doe's have a nonreturn valve in it ( el cheapo) low oil pressure , incorrect grade of oil and worh hydraulic lifters/ tappets. Some you can do but the lifters will have to tested for bleed down time at a dealer
need to check fuel pressure, not just listen for pump to run, also check reading on coolant temp sensor, but sounds like fuel pump /filter issue. just because you hear pump run doesnt mean its putting our right amount of pressure. also check for plugged catylic convertor
I assume from the year it has high mileage. With mileage comes wear in these engine's bearings allowing oil pressure to drop because of the excess clearance between cam and bearings, also the crank and bearings. When the engine is hot and idling the oil is thinner and goes by the bearings quicker. If you have good oil pressure while driving, I'd leave it alone, maybe use a thicker oil or some lucas additive. My 89 does the same thing sometimes in the summer, but don't remember it doing it this summer. I use Mobil-1 and an AC Delco filter.
Any time the oil pressure is 0 you take a chance of locking up the motor. The only way to know for sure is to put a pressure gauge in the oil pressure sending unit port on the engine and see what the pressure really is. At that point you will either have the peace of mind in the knowledge that the sending unit is really bad and needs replacement or you can then contact a repair shop and tell them what your testing has revealed. I wouldn't drive or run your truck while the oil pressure is at zero.
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