Oil pressure concern

Discussion in 'International Forum' started by kubasj05, Mar 21, 2019.

  1. kubasj05

    kubasj05 Light Load Member

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    Apr 18, 2013
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    I'm feeling out of my comfort zone in regards to what I'm noticing oil pressure wise.
    When I began to drive my truck back in January 2019 outside Temps were very or extremely low so I had no concerns. Since we have 50s and 60's hitting now I'm concerned about my oil pressure. Please feel free to comment based on my recent findings below
    Year:
    2012
    Engine:
    Maxxforce 13
    Milage:
    245k
    Motor oil:
    Mobile Delvac 1300 15W40
    Last oil change:
    5000 miles ago
    Filters:
    Both media and the spinner bought at the dealership by Vin#

    Oil Temperatures observed:
    Cold start: 90psi
    190-195 degrees: 17-18psi
    200 degrees: at idle 15psi and 55psi at 1600rpm
    215-220 degrees: at idle 12-13psi and 50psi at 1600rpm
    Those numbers are based off of NED software. I'd feel comfortable with minimum of 15psi at 220 degrees. I'm afraid that when we get into 80s-90s the oil pressure will drop even more. I have not tested it with mechanical gauge yet.
    I'd hate to go as far as digging in crank and main bearings also oil pump since it is internal oil pump (I think) would require front cover being removed?
    Engine runs great, no funny noises
    My question is: What can I do/replace to start with. My thoughts are oil pressure sensor, oil pressure valve kit. Are there any other items that I can check out/replace myself?
    Thanks in advance, Jacob
     
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  3. ast26909

    ast26909 Medium Load Member

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    Verify with a mechanical gauge first before digging too deeply, the oil pressure sensor could be going bad and it's affected by temperature also. Also switch to FULL synthetic oils they are less likely to change viscosity with temperature changes, also longer change intervals.
     
    KB3MMX Thanks this.
  4. kubasj05

    kubasj05 Light Load Member

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    Interestingly I was considering Mobile Delvac 5W40 full synthetic for my next oil change as I've recently read in maintenance manual that this type of oil is recommended for all temperature range where 15w40 is good down to 20*F only. I do use block heater whenever Temps go under 32*F so not much problem here however synthetic offers best fluidity in cold and better resistance to temperature breakdown when hot.
    I'll do mechanical gauge test as soon as opportunity presents itself, I may buy me a gauge though.
    I also thought that oil cooling is insufficient but based of the latest oil temp test I never went over 209*F
    Nonetheless, I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
    I'll update with results, Jacob
     
    KB3MMX Thanks this.
  5. ast26909

    ast26909 Medium Load Member

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    Or you can just replace the sensor and hope for the best considering the cost of testing.
     
  6. kubasj05

    kubasj05 Light Load Member

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    Apr 18, 2013
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    Came back from the steelership empty handed. This oil pressure sensor is $300. I already know that parts ain't cheap for this particular engine but come on, oil pressure sensor made in Germany was $280 and one made in US was $310, that's steep. Luckily I was able to locate one online for $50, lol
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2019
    Reason for edit: Offending language, used steelership instead of dealership
  7. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    You know what? All the free info you guys get from me here ultimately comes from a "Stealership!" I am getting sick and tired of hearing that word. How about I start charging you?
     
    x1Heavy and rickybobby Thank this.
  8. kubasj05

    kubasj05 Light Load Member

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    Apr 18, 2013
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    Sorry Heavyd, no harm intended rather poor choice of words, it's a leftover from my early days when I was young and broke. I guess I tried to vent, that's all.
    I was taken by surprise when I was told $300 for the sensor and I bought many of them in my lifetime but never in that price range,
    Moving on, you know that me and bunch of people on here (probably not only here) are very much appreciative for what you do, there's no question in my mind and for that reason accept my sincere apology, Jacob
     
  9. ast26909

    ast26909 Medium Load Member

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    His rant was about dealership policies and practices, don't take it personally. There is nothing more valuable than 'product knowledge' which can only come from working on the same stuff everyday. You are obviously very knowledgeable and experienced in your craft, and your willingness to share with the members here is commendable. You should go on www.justanswer.com you can earn some good money there, and I'm sure the members here would voluntarily pay you or donate money to you for your knowledge.

    But the dealership policies and practices deserve scrutiny. I drive a Freightliner and being a former ASE certified master tech I can fix anything provided I'm given the right tools and information. Freightliner gives free online access to the part catalog and wiring diagram for which I'm grateful but they don't make available their diagnostic software (the professional version which can do everything) to anyone except their dealerships. Replacing a simple hazard light switch requires programming the new switch which requires me to take the truck to the local dealership who could be booked 1 to 3 days out, and at $140 per hour the dealer techs there sure take time to dance around the truck.
     
    KB3MMX Thanks this.
  10. kubasj05

    kubasj05 Light Load Member

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    Apr 18, 2013
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    A little update on oil pressure issue,
    Recently did oil change (Delvac 5W40 synthetic) however didn't notice change for better if anything it seems as the engine falls into lower Psi range quicker at higher temperatures. Oh and forgot to mention that new oil pressure sensor was installed while oil change was done.
    My new numbers are:
    13-14 psi @200°
    13psi @205°
    12psi @206°-217°

    While doing oil change when replacing oil filter cartridge, the new one came with orange o-ring however I couldn't find the use for it. Is there any use for that o-ring? I thought that since is not installed it may be causing a pressure drop. Any thoughts on this subject?
     
    KB3MMX Thanks this.
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