Guys,

While leaving a concert, I noticed my oil pressure to be quite low. I was stuck in traffic, and the gauge read somewhere near the 2 mark. I have an '85 190E 2.3. Is this normal? When I step on the accelerator, the pressure goes up. Does this have to do anything with the type of oil I'm using and it's viscosity?


Vu

MB publishes only 2 specs on oil pressure. One is at idle, 0.5bar(7psi@sqin)min. Then at 3000 rpm the pressure must be above 3bar. Sounds like your pressure is very good!

Oil Pressure
 

I recently aquired a 1991 190E 2.6.
The car has 96k miles on the clock. The previous (original) owner
had oil changes done every 3k miles.

The car drives v.well and the engine is quiet. However, I have noticed that the oil pressure gauge never quite reaches the '3' marker - even when cold.

When fully warmed-up - after a 25 mile freeway drive, the gauge usually hovers halfway between 0 and 1 at idle.

However, today, after exiting the freeway, the needle appeared to bottom out whilst idling. I shifted into neutral and the needle climbed to its usual position between 0 and 1.

Although the engine oil is clean, I plan to do a filter/oil change within the next few days. The plugs are also clean - light brown color.

What do you suggest?

At idle the gauge can read anywhere from .7 to above 3 if I am correct.

When on the gas it should read above 3 always as far as i know.

My car at idle is usually at 2-3 and under acceleration always at 3+. It does dip down occasionally at idle below 2 if I am sitting in traffice long enough.

Alon

Oil Pressure update
 

Changed the engine oil & filter today. Valvoline 10w40.
With engine at normal running temperature, Oil Pressure now pegs at 3 whilst driving and goes to 1 at idle.
Same readings after 20 mile freeway journey.

Conclusion; dirty oil and/or clogged filter causing low oil pressure reading.

There's really nothing to worry about regarding low oil pressure if it idles hot at .5 bar or greater.

Cummins regulates their oil pressure at 15PSI claiming that excessive oil pressure does nothing except wastes fuel.

The main thing with these engines is that it pegs or close to it when you're at speed.

Don't worry about it, keep changing the oil frequently, and sleep well.

Have a great day,