Emergency! Help! Just Oil Pressure Issue!

[Tims450SL]

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???

[ScottinSoCal]

Originally Posted by Tims450SL

I have noticed that my 75 450 SL loses oil pressure while running or the guage is messed up.

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?

[Tims450SL]

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?

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by Tims450SL

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

[GSMITH]

Originally Posted by Tims450SL

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???

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.

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.

[ScottinSoCal]

Originally Posted by Tims450SL

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?

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.

[nobby]

Originally Posted by Tims450SL

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???

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?

[Tims450SL]

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

[ScottinSoCal]

Originally Posted by Tims450SL

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.

[nobby]

Originally Posted by ScottinSoCal

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.

[Tims450SL]

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.