'96 3.8L Oil Pressure

[steddy]

So tonight I start the car up (new motor's going in about a week from now) and notice that the oil pressure gauge is reading roughly 20 psi higher than it has been the last few years or so. I pop the hood, see no oil anywhere (obviously, the sensor isn't bad, had that fountain once). Also cycled the car a few times with no change. Gauge goes through the initial check at start up just fine. Just curious if this should be of any concern. It seems to be running ok with a very, very slight vibration, but nothing real noticeable. Thanks for any input.

[UjGearhead]

Well, better than 20 psi lower! First thing I'd do is hook up a known good mechanical gauge. Those factorys lie!!!!! Just because the sending unit isn't leaking it doesn't mean it's not bad. Don't forget that the gauge itself could be bad. If the tester gauge still says it's high then I'd look first at either a semi-plugged oil filter or a stuck relief valve in the pump. Personally, I probably wouldn't worry about it since it's running ok and you're yanking it out in a week anyway

[98blackbeauty]

I guess there are 2 issues here. 1. what are you doing with old engine? If you are selling it, then might want to know if its right.
2. Oil pressure reading is the result of back pressure, so you could have some blockage in the system. Usually we see low oil pressure as a result of worn bearings and oil flow faster through bearings. don't know where the oil filter is in relation to oil sensor on that engine. Could be cloged oil filter or oil pump regulator going bad.