Almost no oil pressure at idle after warm up!!!???

[xjeeper]

My '91 esprit se has just over 16,500 miles on it and hardly ever gets driven. Lately after about 20 minutes of driving, the oil pressure will read right on the line between red (bad) and what is almost no pressure at all. While driving it keeps great pressure, the problem is only at idle, and only when it is warm. Can anybody help me out here???

[GUY JOHNSON]

Are you getting a red light on the dash?

[cnh1990]

Are you using a small particle filter?
I have heard some of the very fine filters grades have a tendency to clog out early because of high filtration. Use medium to low medium filters as we change oil frequently enough. That may boost the flow. you are using the correct weight of oil? Coolers in good shape? and any front end damage?
Calvin

[xjeeper]

Nope, no red light. I'm using mobil1 15W50 full synthetic. No front end damage either. Filter is a purolater filter for a dodge ram, fits perfectly. Think thats the problem?

[GUY JOHNSON]

One, if there is no red light you are in good shape.
I got yeld at for putting tthe dodge fillter on so you might want to go back and look for anothere style.
I think the filter is have a bypass valve built in.

[cnh1990]

I use Purolator Pure One PL20081. Maybe the same one?
try and see. Might not be the filter.
Calvin

[MikeyRide]

Spec pressure at idle is only 5psi IIRC. The oil pressure sender output is ignored until 1600rpm. If you're really worried, you can always hook up a mechanical gauge and check. PITA, but possible.

[cnh1990]

My oil pressure under similar conditions read 2 hash marks from the left red zone at idle. Not sure what that translate to in PSI. Using Castrol Syntec 5-50.

[83 turbo]

Maybe worth changing to a genuine Lotus oil filter.......although a replacement oil filter may look physically the same as the original Lotus filter. The pressure relief/bypass valve inside the filter may not be. Some filters have a different spring rate on the valve which can affect oil flow (some don't even have the valve at all!). If you are not doing much mileage you may as well fork out for the genuine lotus filter to be on the safe side.I have had similar experiences with other vehicles where I have installed a quality replacement oil filter only to have to replace it with the manufacturers part because of low oil pressure readings when the engine was hot.

>> Edited by 83 turbo on Monday 23 September 21:56