I just installed an Autometer Sport-Comp electrical oil pressure gauge. I have a t-fitting so I can use both Autometer's sender and the stock sender. I get about 12.5 psi (or whatever that tick mark is b/w 0 and 25) at startup (sometimes it'll go to about 25 and stay there for 20-30 secs), but the rest of the time, the needle stays planted at 12.5 psi. Revving the engine while sitting in neutral will cause some movement of the needle, but not much. I have a few other clues regarding my oil problem.
- I get "heavy" valve clatter...well, I think it's heavy, it's louder and a little longer than other SR20s I've heard at startup.
- I've been checking my oil immediately after a drive and I notice clusters of air bubbles on the dipstick.
- My Mobil 1 changes from its nice amber color to a dark, ugly brown color within 1000-1200 miles after an oil change.
I'm going to drop the lower oil pan and clean it and check the strainer and baffle plate and make sure everything looks good. Later on this week, I'm also hooking up a mechanical oil pressure gauge and following the procedure in the FSM to check oil pressure.
I have no funny noises (yet), and the motor seems to run fine. But, I really feel something is seriously wrong with this engine. Any tips, comments, anything that can help me figure out the problem will be greatly appreciated.
Antonio Garcia
- I get "heavy" valve clatter...well, I think it's heavy, it's louder and a little longer than other SR20s I've heard at startup.
- I've been checking my oil immediately after a drive and I notice clusters of air bubbles on the dipstick.
- My Mobil 1 changes from its nice amber color to a dark, ugly brown color within 1000-1200 miles after an oil change.
I'm going to drop the lower oil pan and clean it and check the strainer and baffle plate and make sure everything looks good. Later on this week, I'm also hooking up a mechanical oil pressure gauge and following the procedure in the FSM to check oil pressure.
I have no funny noises (yet), and the motor seems to run fine. But, I really feel something is seriously wrong with this engine. Any tips, comments, anything that can help me figure out the problem will be greatly appreciated.
Antonio Garcia