When driving at any speed after the engine has come up to normal temps, I've noticed my oil pressure is about 6psi. Yes 6psi, not 6 bar. Its pretty low. In city, at idle, on the freeway, doesn't matter. It sticks at 5-6psi no matter what the revs. However, when the engine is cold, it will be at max pressure. While heating up and driving, I've noticed it runs as normal, but slowly drops in pressure and fails to increase pressure as its normal constant pressure is low. In other words, if its at 1.5 bar at idle, it will go above 2 bar when I accelerate, but when it drops to 6psi at idle, it won't increase at all. My oil was at least 5 quarts low (just bought this car and its a 1990 3.6), but filling it up had no effect on the pressure. Is this just a sign of a failing oil pump? Or is it possibly a failing pressure gauge that stops working right as it heats up?
Barry
Series 4 Inc.
1990 Audi V8 - Daily Driver
1987 Porsche 928 S4 - Resurrecting
I have had the same oil pressure guage sender problem with a 1990 V8 Audi. Oil pressure dropped from normal (5 bar) to less than 2 bar when driven a distance and engine warm. Checked oil pressure thru warnung light switch and found to be correct. Replaced sender and problem was fixed. Special tool required to remove switch. Bruce at Audi Connection in Virginia may be able to help you.
Bruce (owner) and Keith (master V8 tech) are great guys. They know a ton about Audis (especially V8s) and have a ton of used parts at their disposal from their wrecking yard. They can also get you anything you need new.
Take care,
- Jeremy
1990 V8Q Zyclam
Portland, Oregon (USA)
http://www.MyV8Q.com/
Fun, Fun, Fun auf der Autobahn
