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Posted on Jul 18, 2011
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My oil pressure drops and warning light comes on when I stop or idle, but as soon as I give it gas it goes back up to normal again, I was told it's the sensor or else the engine would kill itself if it the engine actully lost oil pressure, I would like a second opinion

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  • Chevrolet Master 6,982 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 18, 2011
Anonymous
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The proper way to determine what's going on in your engine is to install a temporary (or permanent) mechanical gauge. (yours is electro -mechanical) your oil pressure changes with engine rpm but at idle, it should not drop below 15psi (I don't accept less than 20). The gauge and light is set to come on at a pressure that is just a bit higher than the max low pressure so you have a chance to correct the cause without destroying the engine. (though sometimes even that repair can be expensive).
Since the gauge setup or having someone put a gauge on there costs more than a new sending unit for your current arrangement, I'd suggest you replace the sender and if you see identical readings, then you need to have the oil pan removed and the crankshaft bearings and oil pump looked at.
Doing nothing can cost you an engine.

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