Oil Pressure Fluctuation 3.0L GL/SX

[Fleetwin]

All,

Fairly new to me boat. 2009- 3.0L GL w/SX Drive. (Red Engine) 35 hours.

The last 20 hours have been put on by me. I am using Genuine Volvo oil filters and 15W-40 Volvo oil. The oil and filters have been changed three times by the first owner and me-since new. All Genuine Volvo stuff.

I'm a little unnerved by the fluctuation of the oil pressure gauge at idle, or just above. It bounces around between 20-40 PSI.

Any speed above that, it is rock solid at 40-60 PSI, depending on speed (top RPM is 4600).

The connections are good-both ends. All other gauges (volt, tach, trim, temp) are solid reading.

Am I reading more into this than is needed?

The engine seems to be fine. No excess noise other than the already noisy 3.0L. No metal on the dipstick or drained filters.

Ideas?

Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Oil Pressure Fluctuation 3.0L GL/SX

All,

Fairly new to me boat. 2009- 3.0L GL w/SX Drive. (Red Engine) 35 hours.

The last 20 hours have been put on by me. I am using Genuine Volvo oil filters and 15W-40 Volvo oil. The oil and filters have been changed three times by the first owner and me-since new. All Genuine Volvo stuff.

I'm a little unnerved by the fluctuation of the oil pressure gauge at idle, or just above. It bounces around between 20-40 PSI.

Any speed above that, it is rock solid at 40-60 PSI, depending on speed (top RPM is 4600).

The connections are good-both ends. All other gauges (volt, tach, trim, temp) are solid reading.

Am I reading more into this than is needed?

The engine seems to be fine. No excess noise other than the already noisy 3.0L. No metal on the dipstick or drained filters.

Ideas?

Thanks.

Ayuh,..... I'd think so,.... But if yer that concerned, plumb in a Mechanical gauge, 'n cross-check 'em,....

I'd sooner think ya might be seein' a semi-bad ground, vs: the oil pressure fluctuatin',...

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Oil Pressure Fluctuation 3.0L GL/SX

Thanks Bondo.

I'd been thinking along those lines.

I do have an old O/P gauge I can screw into the sender mount. Same threads and everything.

But, you don't think there is anything awful awaiting?

Thanks.

PS, I will say this. If the 3.0L blows up, I will replace it with a 4.3L. Just knowing that, the 3.0 will live forever.

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Oil Pressure Fluctuation 3.0L GL/SX

I'd put money on it that you have nothing to worry about. It wouldn't be the first case of an erratic sender at lower pressures...mine used to do the same thing from time to time.

Check with your mechanical gauge to be sure, and if all is good and it stills bothers you to look at, a new sender will most likely cure your problem.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Oil Pressure Fluctuation 3.0L GL/SX

The oil pressure is definitely not too low.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Oil Pressure Fluctuation 3.0L GL/SX

Sender or ground either at sender or gauge

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Oil Pressure Fluctuation 3.0L GL/SX

Thanks All. Much appreciated.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Oil Pressure Fluctuation 3.0L GL/SX

It is not unusual to see a fluctuation in oil pressure based on operating temp and operating modes. Cold start, cold idle you might see 40-50 psi. Hot idle after a run on plane its entirely possible to see pressure readings of 20 psi. Mine will idle cold at 40, it will hit 55 or so on plane, coming off plane it will drop to 20-30, but if I let it idle after running on plane the psi will go back up to 40. Oil temp must be the thing that's varying here. You may not have a problem at all, but check the terminals at the sending unit and gauge.