Oil pressure jiggling around at lower RPM

M

Michael Meyer

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Jul 30, 2007
RO Number
27857
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We finally got our (New to us) 1999 242 out on the water for a few days... and I must say boat camping is ten times better than dirt camping..

I did notice that my oil pressure gauge was jiggling around at lower rpm's when the motor got a little warmer. The water temperature never really got above 190. At high RPMs 4100-ish the pressure was 40-50 psi but a lower RPMs the gauge needle jiggled around from 10 to 20 psi. Is this normal? It's a Volvo Penta 5.0 Gi with about 230 hours on it. Also I am using the recommended straight 30 weight and the oil level was right in the middle of the dip stick and the oil was freash with a new filter as well...

Is the jiggling gauge needle normal?
 
Mike,

I have a pair of the Volvo 5.0Gxi in my boat. My oil pressure needles jiggle at idle. Once the throttle is advanced to even 1000rpm they stabilize. Been that way for 9 years. I would say your good. You said your're using straight 30 weight. Is that synthetic 30 weight? I know that is what volvo recommends.
 
On my Volvo Penta 5.0 GL , oil pressure is slightly jiggling around 40 psi at idle (and cold engine) and goes to 50 psi at higher RPM. Water temp stays below 175 (not easy to tell exactly, but around 120-130°).
 
Yep- it's the synthetic stuff... actually I bought the Volvo stuff from the dealer.

Thanks again Patrick and Nouchka...

I'm just a little paranoid about this new (used) boat. After it got warm and the pressure dropped to 10-20 psi at lower RPMs and under 10 at idle...I was a little unsure...I am sure after few more times out on the lake I should be fine...

Thanks again
 
And I'm not sure if the pressure get under 10 psi at idle (hard to tell on the gauge) as well the water temp is probably lower as well. I have an Autometer gauge in there right now and I know it's reading high (replacement Faria guage on order)...
 
I won't be so confident. Around 10 psi at idle seems to be "low in pressure" to me. You'd better investigate ( it's maybe just the pressure transducer) or ask a mechanic.
 
Michael,

Check also if your oil fill cap is well tighted and the condition of the seal.
 
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