School me on oil temp/pressure.

[Beltaine]

What are normal temp and pressure ranges for the oil? When cold? When warm? What are dangerous temps/pressures?


Finally filled out my bernt gauge pod with Newsouth Indigo Boost, Oil Temp, and Pressure gauges.

I intend to move the oil temp sensor into the coolant, but for now it's in the oil because I was curious about it.


Currently, I run Castrol Syntec 5w-40, and the outside temperature here has been between 20-60 degrees since the install.

On cold startup at idle, oil pressure is between 65-70 PSI. If I go ahead and start moving, bringing the RPM's up on the engine makes the oil pressure climb substantially, in the 80-90 PSI range and while it was below freezing, I saw it reach 95 PSI and probably would have gone higher, but I backed off the throttle. (Gauge stops at 100 PSI) This is fairly low RPM's between 2k-3k.

I used to go easy on the engine while it was cold, but I was never as easy as I have been since getting the gauges in.

Once the coolant warms up (Blue light goes off) and the oil temp starts to show on the gauge (120 degrees) the pressure settles down to around 60 PSI at speed and 20 PSI at idle.

The temp also seems to fluctuate between 190-215 degrees. That seems kind of high and makes me wonder if I should look at installing an oil cooler?

Sorry for the wall of text.

[simonsi]

Those figures all look fine inc the oil temp variation, the NB does have an oil-to-water cooler just above the spin-on filter where engine coolant is circulated - this also helps the oil warm up from a cold start.

You are right to take it easy until warm - and remember transmission oil takes longer to warm fully too but the running/warm figures for temp and pressure all look OK and indicate everything would seem to be in order and good condition. As with most things, learn what your car does under various conditions and then be alert for changes.

[Turbomania]

One of the best places to locate the oil temp sensor is as close as you can get to the place in the oil pan where the turbo oil drains into the pan. This is the hottest point for your oil as it has just cooled and lubricated the turbo charger. Another good place is right before it goes into the oil cooler. If you can't locate it there then the oil pressure sensor is the third choice. I would like to see you run Mobil 1, 0W40 oil unless you live where it stays close to freezing for most of the winter. Then use the 0W30 Mobil 1. I have used the 0W40 all year round here in Dallas with great results for as long as I can remember. Your gages have taught you a very valuable lesson... Take it easy when your engine is not warmed up completely... I agree, your gage reading look just fine. JK

[Howie]

Can either of you guys please tell me where the oil pressure sensor is on the 1.8T? I'm installing an oil pressure gauge and it came with a sensor. Can I use the factory sensor and swap wiring or does it need to be changed?

Thanks, Howie