So I have been wondering if my engines oil pressure gets to low when I am stopped at a stop light. It will drop just below the lowest mark on the factory guage and idle is at 600 rpm's. I will usually just slip the trans into neutral (auto) and it climbs back up. So whats the deal? Should I increase my idle speed up so when I stop at lights and such my idle stays in a safe spot? Or is that normal? Ben

 

how many mi's on the 3.0

 

You've been here how many years and you didn't know that's normal?

The 2nd gen oil pressure gauges are hooped.

 

only 212,647

 

Hooped? Is that a northern word? More info needed.

 

on the motor with no rebuild?

 

yes. only had the head gasket recall done at 145,000 and last timing rebuild at 201,000

 

you had to buy that thing new, because most people don't change there oil every 3k, and that is very important for the 3.0. As far as your oil pressure go's you may want to get a manual gauge to check it, but sounds like it may be time for a overhaul

 

what do you mean?

 

most people change there oil every 5-6-10k and use some cheap a$% oil, and the 3.0 can't take that. most 3.0's are good for about 150k, so you have been pretty lucky so far

 

Yoter, this is perfectly normal for the 3.slow. You do not need a rebuild. Mine has always done that as does everyone elses. As for idle, I keep mine at 750.

 

I service my rigs engine oil every 3,000 miles or less. I dont go by the 3 month rule. I think so many people screw up by not checking the oil's level often enough, use crappy oil, or dont chenge it often enough. My buddy told me that the 3.0 engines are pretty durable engines IF you take care of them.

 

The 3.slow will last for over 200k if taken care of.

 

Its so stressful wondering if my engine will hold up or puke on me. It sounds strong on acceleration but does not sound perfect at idle. So to answer my question, if I were to up the idle would it increase the oil pressure when idling at a stop?

 

mine was in horrible shape when i got it, but after a rebuild i love it, and my buddy just had his rebuilt about 40k ago, and its problem free, any motor is durable if you treat them right, its all about the maintence

 

I do not believe so, my is real low at idle too. idle is very easy to adjust, so try it.

 

knocking on the door of 257,000 here on the origional motor, origional HG, and so on...

Oil pressure is low when idling around 900rpm, but once above 1200 it is well within normal limits. I wouldn't even go by 3000 miles, I go by the color of the oil itself. The next day off Im changing mine out and its only at 2600 miles.

 

The FSM says 4.3 psi at idle is with in spec's!!

 

Thats normal Yoter...mine does the same thing.

Fink

 

very true. but my oil even at 3K is clean still. I am noticing I go through a court each OC though. So keeping the level up and not putting junk oil in seems to be key.