Emergency! Help! Just Oil Pressure Issue!
 

I have noticed that my 75 450 SL loses oil pressure while running or the guage is messed up. Car runs alittle roungh when I do notice this. I remember that Oil Pressure guage should be burried at the max while running. Is there a reason if I am losing pressure? Is it the Oil pump? Is that a common failure? Please help. I am like what do I do???:eek::eek::eek::eek:

When I first start my car, the gauge is buried even at idle. If I'm driving it on a fairly cold day (40F) it stays at or above 2 bar and buries itself as soon as I press the gas. If I'm driving on a hot day (90F+) it can get as low as just over 1 bar at idle and doesn't bury itself until the tach is around 2K rpm. That's normal operation.

What does your car do that's different than this?

that is wqhat it does exactly. So it is norm. That is cool. it does take some RPM on a hot one to get it burried. Is there a way to make sure it is properly working without dismantling stuff?

It's fine.

John Roncallo

1 bar is good at idle. If you have 0 bar that is a different story.

The reason you lose pressure is heat. The oil thins and will bypass bearings etc... easier thus there is less back pressure built up.

If you never get 3 bar then you have a problem.

What to do is relax this is normal.:beerchug:

You will see even lower numbers in August when your temp gauge will go higher. I guess I could have save this one for the summer when everyone asks why is my car running at 100c. But I see you joined us last month.;) Welcome aboard.

Just keep an eye on the oil gauge and check the oil level frequently until you get a feel for how the car does.

When I first got my car it had a pretty bad oil leak, and I had to add a quart every month or so. It had been sitting idle for most of the last 4 years. As I've driven it, the seals have sealed back up and it doesn't drip anything any more. If I go on a long drive (500 miles) I usually have to add some oil when I get back, but there's no smoke and it passes emissions so I don't worry about it. One day it won't and I'll have to refresh the valve seals. Till then I just enjoy driving it.

It sounds normal, but why are you asking now? Has something changed since you got your car? Or are you just noticing now that you have an oil pressure gauge?

I just noticed it one day and then started watching it...of course I know there is a Oil Pressure gauge...

Nobby has stress lately, so take my word for it that he's really a nice guy and he knows these cars inside and out.

Thanks for the character reference, you are too kind.
Sorry, if the question seemed snotty. I was being serious, though. I was just curious to know why the dramatic thread title was used when all along the gauge has been operating normally.

sorry cause I was freaked out-I didnt; reply to seem indifferent to you- I have years invested in these 450's it is just that I was like OMG not a engine rebuild. I am like if i can tell there is a slight miss it irritates me...I appreciate your help- I really do. I did not mean to sound like a smart A-- Everyones help is always taken in confidence and respect. Scott has been extremely helpful to me.