Oil Pressure at Startup?

Erie 376 · 05-01-2007, 12:24 PM

I've noticed that, at startup, my oil pressure is 0 for a second before jumping to the normal idle pressure. Is this normal? Is the pressure really 0 for this second? Is it something to worry about? Am I paranoid? I'm hoping this is just an electrical gauge lag issue...

**ob_1jr** · 05-01-2007, 03:18 PM

I haven't really noticed on my truck, but I know that the guages reset to zero when starting. I normally remote start my truck, so I never pay attention to it. I will check mine when I go to work today though and post if I see anything different than what you are experiencing. I think it is just the electrical system setting up, but I don't know for sure.

I checked my truck on start-up and it is 0 for like 1 or 2 seconds then it pops up to 70-80 depending on how cold it is.

duramaxdavid · 05-01-2007, 07:13 PM

I think mine does it to. THe lag fromthe sender i guess.

Erie 376 · 05-02-2007, 05:27 AM

Thanks guys, I guess I'm just paranoid about these things...

TravelswithCharly · 05-02-2007, 09:19 AM

it just takes that long for the system to prime. there is no pressure until there is oil flowing through galleys.

Between runs, the oil drains back.

Erie 376 · 05-02-2007, 10:03 AM

OK, so, from what little I know about lubrication, this is very bad yet, engines last upwards of 500,000. Is this only on the newer engines? Should I seriously be considering a prelube system?

TravelswithCharly · 05-02-2007, 01:02 PM

no, just leave the truck running.

seriously, all vehicles do this. I ran a motor for 15 minutes with no oil when i was younger. It lasted another 20,000 miles before the suspension blew out of it. I ran a motorcycle for 12 miles before the motor froze up. I only know this because I spotted the oil trail the next day, and the trail ended 12 miles before. If it weren't for the fact that it was air and oil cooled, i could have gone further. The bike had no dummy light. Boy was i mad.

Good synthetic is suppose to have better pre-lub properties than conventional, FWIW.

06LBZ · 05-02-2007, 05:43 PM

manufacturers usually take into account all variables. if they saw an issue their would be a recall. this engine has been practically bullet proof for 6 years.