Sorry for the newb question. What is the "normal" range of oil pressure as indicated by the SR5 guage? My pressure builds up fine, stays between the middle and 3/4 mark while driving and warming up, but during hot idle it falls dead on it's face, well below the 1/4 mark, sometimes right at the bottom. Is this normal? If not, where do I start checking?

 

Normal. Try the Pirate FAQ, 4crawlers site or for specifics.

 

excellent, thank you.

 

Mine does the same, but I find if I run a 15W40 or 20W50 oil the hot idle pressure stays at or above the lower normal mark on the gauge. If I run a 10W40 or lighter oil, the hot pressure falls to the bottom of the gauge.

 

I run 20W50 and at idle it stays above the lower mark.

 

Good idea, I'll switch to a little thicker oil next time I change it. I was running 20w50 in my old motor due to all the leaks and knocks... I believe I have 10w30 in it right now, possibly even 5w30, so that would explain it.

 

Ditto on the thicker oil

 

how about spendin 25 bucks and get rid of the toyota needle indicator remember your engine is your heart of your rig 60-70 psi hot driving

 

thought about it, but my theory is if my 4runner made it over 300k 100% bone stock with questionable maintenance...it's good enough how it is.

At least that's what I tell myself. How my upgrade list gets so long with that theory...I dont know.

 

My aftermarket gauge reads 75psi with the choke on and 50psi hot freway driving.

Hot idle is only 15psi or so, which is enough to keep oil in the head.

 

The SR5 oil pressure gauge is absolutely worthless as far as accuracy. The sending unit gets plugged over time, and the readings vary a lot from truck to truck. Unfortunately the sending unit costs about 50 bucks. If you buy one, make sure not to get the oil pressure sensor that just turns on the idiot light on the non-SR5 models - you need to get the sending unit. Changing it is very easy, it's right next to the oil filter on the 22RE. A lot of people just opt for an aftermarket gauge instead.

This is what I get on my 22RE when warm:
10-15 PSI idle
60-70 PSI at 3k

Oil weight does change the pressure somewhat, as does running old oil for a long time. Good luck!

 

Forget the gauge n run 5/30. Conrad has is spot on, there worthless. Try pushing peanut butter through a straw, that takes high pressure and low flow. Now say olive oil, low pressure good flow. High flow = cooling and lube, keep the first oil W number LOW.

 

if i am not mistaken a 22r can run as low 4-5psi on hot idle and be fine.

 

I put 20w50 in it last oil change. Kept the pressure up on the gauge and quieted down the noise at hot idle. No change in gas mileage, driveability or anything except a little extra pain during the oil change. I'll probably run 20w50 or 10w40 all summer and put 10w30 back in for the winter.

The engine did NOT sound happy when cold or warm with 5w30.