What could cause a sudden drop in oil pressure? My gauge usually sits at around 2 BAR but I just noticed that it's sitting just over 1 BAR! The only thing I've done recently is an oil change, which I done on Friday.
The car's a MY2000 UK turbo.

 

Hopefully you filled the oil filter with oil when you replaced it,and disconnected cam sensor and turned engine over until oil pressure built up. Is the engine noisy? Have you checked the oil level? Is the oil light on?

 

I did fill the filter, but I've never heard of having to disconnect the cam sensor before?!
The engine is no noisier than usual.
I've been out and had a look, the oil is at the right level and the light isn't on.
Here's a pic for easier explaination;



With the temperature the same each time, the pressure used to be on the first mark just under 2 BAR. Earlier it was on the first mark after 1 BAR. After warming it up in the work car park the pressure is sitting as it is in the pic.
I'm wondering if my pressure sender and/or gauge might be on its way out?
I got a video of the engine running, but it's not showing up in my Photobucket yet.

 

What grade oil did you put in? Is it the same as you've always used?

 

Yeah, I've always used Shell Helix Ultra 5w-40.

 

I've been told Prosport gauges aren't very accurate.

 

I'm really, really hoping that it's just a gauge issue! They've been good gauges though, I've not had any problems with them yet.
If it ends up being something major on the engine it may be game over for my Scoob

 

My engine video's finally appeared in my Photobucket;

http://s9.photobucket.com/user/gary_oakley18/media/20170116_200746_zpsxr1wcm60.mp4.html

 

After my drive home this morning the pressure was reading normal again?!!

 

sounds like its running sweet.

 

This is why I'm starting to think that it's the gauge/sender, especially as I'm getting different readings all the time!

 

Warmer the oil the thinner it gets so the less pressure you have(this is how I see it anyway)
1st pic shows the oil is hotter so less pressure.
Not sure how much extra wear on the engine when not cranking(without firing up) after an oil change as I've never seen proof,doubt anyone has.
But the consensus is that it is advisable to use this method after an oil change.

I tend to use 10w50 or 15w50 due to higher mileage which has a positive affect on oil pressure.

 

Off topic but what colour display is that on the prosport gauges? It looks blue but is it white? What's the options when purchasing them, is it green/white & amber/white?

 

Maybe it's the slight temperature difference that's causing it then. I'm probably just being paranoid about it, especially as I've never noticed the pressure drop as low as 1 BAR before! I did notice earlier that the pressure gauge needle was fluctuating by a few marks, so maybe the sender needs replacing? I'll keep an eye on it, it seemed to settle at around 1.5 BAR, so maybe it's just a combination of the new oil and the extra heat in the oil from sitting in light traffic.

Wull: they are blue. They're usually available in amber/white and green/white, but I found these on the R Spec site in blue/white. The blue fits my interior scheme better then the other colours available.

 

My oil pressure gauge fluctuates a little when I asked about it I was told it is normal as you do get a slight pulsing of pressure as the pump rotates. To be honest that looks low pressure to me my bug idles at over 4 bar pressure I have always run 10-50 or higher since my car was new.

 

4bar+ when the car is fully warmed up? That's a lot isn't it?
I always thought around 2bar on idle was where it should be.

 

You're running a thicker oil than me, I'm using 5w-40, so your pressure will be higher than mine.

 

Pro sport gauges are naff anyway so I wouldnt be relying on it.