924Board.org

[Gtr]

HI

I just bought an 87 924S, and i wanted to know what is the normal oil pressure gauge reading when the engine is warm and idle?? When my 924S is warm and idle the gauge reads 1, some times a little less. Is this normal??

[Apex Killer]

Mine read 5bar at start up until the car warmed up and then dropped to 2.5bar at idle. I wanted to make sure everything was right. A new sending unit was 5 days out so I bought a $30 oil pressure gauge and just rigged it under the hood. Started the car, let it warm up and compared the readings between the OE and the aftermarket gauge, they read the same.
Reading less than 1 I would think there is a problem but I am still a newbie so maybe there is someone else with more input.

[gohim]

Before you come to any comclusion regarding the oil pressure, you need to go under the hood and check the maintenance records for the car.

Did you get the maintenance records for the car? When was the last time that the oil was changed, and what weight, and type of filter was installed? When were the camshaft and balance shaft belts changed? How about the water pump, the pulleys, rollers, and front oil seals?

The oil, and filter can affect the oil pressure reading. If the oil is too thin (whether because of the temperature, dilution from a coolant leak, or defective fuel injector), or a restrictive oil filter, you could be seeing pressure reading that does not indicate the condition of the engine.

The condition of the oil cooler seals is also critical. If they fail, coolant is allow to enter the oiling system which will thin the oil, and ruin the bearing (oil pressure will drop.

The condition of the camshaft and balance shaft belts is even more important. It is recommended to replace the water pump, belt pulleys, and rollers, and front oil seals, whenever the belts are replaced because if any of those parts fail, the belts will fail, meaning an expensive head repair, or engine replacement.

What is the correct oil pressure? The Porsche Owner's Manual for my 87 924S states that the oil pressure should read 4 Bar with the engine hot at 5K rpm, and could read as low as .5 Bar at idle, and the engine hot.

The camshaft and balance shaft belts (and the other above mentioned parts) should be replaced every 30K Miles or 3 Years, whichever occurs first, with the critical first inspection and retension at 2K miles, followed by inspections and retensioning at 10K mile intervals until replacment 30K mileage, or 3 Years is reached.

If you do not know how long it has been since the belt service was done, or find coolant in the oil, take the car directly to a competent mechanic and have the problems corrected immediately without driving the car any further.

Expect the belt service, parts replacement to cost you between $1500-$2500 each time, if you do not do the work yourself. You will need special tools worth about $500, if you choose to attempt the service and replacement work, but the investment in the tools will save you hundreds of $$$ per year in belt service labor.