Low Oil Pressure

Ben370

I just changed my oil so I figured I check the pressure just in case. It starts at 20psi and works its way to 12, and that's before it even warms up.
I guess that explains the revs dropping a bit while idling at lights occasionally.

Besides going straight to oil gallery gaskets, what else could it be? No leaks found and oil was at the high mark.
128k miles btw

Rusty

12 psi is LOW. Here's a thread on oil pressures.

Observed Oil Pressure with a gauge

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Ben370

Yeah I already knew it's super low just wanted to know what to check first.

I made a tee fitting quick disconnect so I could add a gauge inside the car later on. Hooked up the gauge and it was 12 psi at idle while still warming up.

Dreadnaught

Anybody know what the factory workshop manual states what oil pressure should be per their test rpm, oil weight and temperature? Just asking.

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Ben370

On page LU-13
At 176F: 14psi+ idle, 43psi+ 2k rpm
Obviously 5W-30 is Nissan's recommended weight, which I use.

And it says pressure is higher when cold, so mine is really bad since it was 12psi at 140F.

I just want to know how to troubleshoot this to be certain it's the gallery or not. Compression test maybe?

Spooler

You have an 09, it is the galley gaskets. Get it fixed before you cause major damage.

Ben370

So Z1 gallery gasket kit, timing kit including tensioners, timing seal kit, water pump, and thermostat? Anything else I should change while I'm in there? Serpentine belt, tensioner and AC compressor are already recently replaced.

Spooler

Yes, there is a bolt upgrade for the galley gaskets. I don't remember who makes it.

Ben370

Z1 makes it and it's in my cart. Thanks

JARblue

EPS kit has the best bolts.

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Dreadnaught

Since you verified low oil pressure per the workshop manual you should start by either draining the engine oil to see if either oil galley gasket material comes out and bearing material. Bearing material would be a great sign of damage to the crankshaft and cylinder walls due to lack or lubrication.

If you don't see gasket material or sparklys, take the lower oil pan off too see if gasket material is at the entry to the oil pickup tube. The pickup tube has a screen so large debris will not get sucked up. These would be the easiest ways to check for bearing material.

Now, if you still don't see galley gasket material, you will have to take the front cover off to see what you find.

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Ben370

When I drained my oil, it was fine. Normal contaminant free dark brown used oil. I have a magnetic plug and nothing on there or in the filter. I'm just going to assume loose gallery screws and worn cheap gasket.

JARblue

I found bits of gasket at the bottom of my oil pan when I removed it. They were big enough there's no way they would have drained out during a normal oil change. You're probably correct that the screws are loose and/or the gasket has deteriorated enough to cause your issue.

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Rusty

The gasket may have ripped and pushed out some. Not enough to end up in the pan. Someone had posted a picture of this a while back.

When installing the new gaskets and screws. When finished tightening up all the screws. Take a center punch and put a dimple on the edge of the screw in 2 places. This will keep the screw from backing out.

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Ben370

I'll make sure to pass that along to the mechanic doing the job. This is too big of a job for me so I'll gladly pay the labor.