low oil pressure

[AzCat]

my 88 xj at idle has about 12psi, jumps up when you run it but back down at stop. been told old motors do this its just a jeep thing. shooud I be replacing the pump with a high volume one. When I bought the jump was told had 86000 on a rebuild. Any body got some advice?

[Mudderoy]

my 88 xj at idle has about 12psi, jumps up when you run it but back down at stop. been told old motors do this its just a jeep thing. shooud I be replacing the pump with a high volume one. When I bought the jump was told had 86000 on a rebuild. Any body got some advice?

I don't have a gauge that shows actual psi, but after it gets warm it runs at the second notch. When it is cold, or not idle its past 40 psi. Hmm maybe it is about 10 or 12 after it gets warm, I'll have to look going home today. It's been like that since it had 19 miles on it.

[rugidone]

my jeep idles around 10-15, as long as it doesnt drop below 1/4 on my gauge im happy, my buddies yj idles at 0, no ticks, no smoke at idle, he swapped from a 4cyl to 6cyl, they both operate the same.

[4.3LXJ]

These engines seem to run a little low on the oil press. But if you get the chance, definitely go with a high volume pump. It never hurts. You can also run a little heavier oil too to pick up some pressure.

[steph74]

from what I know it seems normal. My 89 with 200K does the same thing... when warmed up, it ran around 10 (and sometimes 0) and about 20/30 when running
I have been told norm is 16 psi at idle then 10 psi for every 1000rpm....

I have been told to use a thicker oil as well and now it runs 20 at idle and 30/40 at 2000rpm.

[AzCat]

Thanks too all of you that replied. i Guess that its norm? Worry about it later.

[steph74]

keep in mind that 1/ oil pressure and oil flow are different things and are both important for your engine health
and 2/that the gauge sometimes can be knocked due to its location and may not be accurate

If you are worried I guess you should test your gauge (don;t ask me how I have no idea)

[Thomass]

I do have an permanent pressure/temp gauge installed, and after my repairs last week, the pressure (when the engine is hot) fluctuate. in the rig of my girlfriend I've build also the same gauge, (her engine is completely overhauled, and is as good as new. fluctuation in her rig, is far less than mine. (even after rebuild) I'll guess that are senior moments of our rigs :)