oil pressure and thermostat ???

[tbird31]

story goes like this. blew my motor last year and got a used motor put in. i have NO idea where it came from nor if it was well maintained. so i'm starting to run into little problems. this motor only needs to last another 5k miles tops before i do my swap but it's GOT to last me till then.

first question:what is the normal oil pressure supposed to be at for a 3.4 ?

-my oil pressure when cold is over 40-45...when it warms up it's WAY low...and when it gets running good, after like 10-15 minutes of driving...it drops to 0 and red when i stop. WHAT IS GOING ON!?

second question:i have to replace my thermostat...which one would be best for my application?

-i don't run at the track, i don't dog the car too much. for the time being it gets me from point a to point b with some quickness...and occasionally i romp it. but it just gets me there with style for now lol.

any ideas? i really need help on the oil pressure problem...

[candela]

Re: wtf is going on with my car?

Have u checked your oil level? I know it's a dumb question butt someone hd to ask. I'd be looking at the sending unit.

[firechicken3800]

Re: wtf is going on with my car?

check your oil, if it's low you'll have low oil pressure... also if it's nasty you can have crappy pressure. though with that, id say it's probably the oil pressure sending unit. i dont remember how much my mom's cost, but it's a fairly easy job.

as far as the thermostat, just get an oem replacement if you dont feel like changing anything really. i think 3.4's came with either a 190* thermo, but im not for sure. though a 180* thermo would be good. i suppose its just personal preferrence on these. well hope we helped you figure your problem out in any way.

[tbird31]

Re: oil pressure and thermostat ???

Have u checked your oil level? I know it's a dumb question butt someone hd to ask. I'd be looking at the sending unit.

just changed my oil 1500 miles ago, so it should still be good.

question: what brand oil does everyone use? would it hurt to use a thicker weight?

Also, I'm going to replace the thermostat this weekend with a 180*. I figured 160* was too cold and 180* was right there for being safe.

[firechicken3800]

Re: oil pressure and thermostat ???

brand of oil. i use castrol gtx 10w30 in mine. i get the high mileage stuff. though if i were to use any other oil that didnt burn a hole in your pocket, it'd be valvoline. some people when it's cold outside use a 10w40 from what i've read on other forums, and when it warms back up they go back to a 10w30. but still try replacing your oil pressure sending unit, my mom's 3.4 had problems. i know it wasn't reading the best oil pressure, and we always smelled oil burning, found out it had a leak in it. so i changed that. though from personal experience, make sure you give the car time to cool down. i was in a hurry and had not other vehicle, had to run to autozone to get the oil pressure sending unit socket, and when i got back started on it and put a nice scar from the exhaust on my arm. =D

and 160* isnt too cold, for performance it's a good temp to run at. but for a daily driver id go with a 180* so you can have better heat in the car for when it's cold outside. well hope you solve your problem.

[tbird31]

Re: oil pressure and thermostat ???

that's what i use. valvoline...hum...i dunno.

i'm going to change my oil either this weekend or next just because and when i do that i'm going to drop the oil pan and see if there's any flakes in there. a guy on tech said it'd be a good double check to make sure nothing's completely wrong.

also i'm gonna look into the oil pressure sending unit.

someone else also recommended the oil pump...that sounds like it could solve everything just don't know...

man this is wearing on me...

[bah]

Re: oil pressure and thermostat ???

i would not just drop the oil pan all willy nilly, its a huge pita and if it isnt lasting you too much longer i would not worry about it, its too much trouble unless something is leaking down there

[firechicken3800]

Re: oil pressure and thermostat ???

yeah i agree with bah... and the oil pressure sending unit isn't that expensive and a LOT less work than the oil pump. just unhook the wires to it, get your oil pressure sending unit socket on it, then use a rachet. quite an easy job, just make sure you're motors cooled down before tackling the job, it's near the exhuast manifolds. but yeah valvoline is one of my top choices. try the OPSU first. well best wishes for ya...