1st Gen R53 Cooper S Oil Pressure Readings

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by wzabrouski, Apr 5, 2010.

  1. wzabrouski

    wzabrouski Active Member

    May 5, 2009
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    Keller, TX
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    Just curious what readings anyone with a oil pressure gauge is getting at warm/hot idle. I recently installed an oil pressure gauge I had picked up a while back and at warm/hot idle I have a reading of between 6-8 psi? All other readings seem in-line with everything I have searched for. Would oil type matter????


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  2. imspencerwithanr53

    imspencerwithanr53 New Member

    May 27, 2009
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    Portland, OR
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    Only 8 psi? :confused5:
     
  3. FUEGO

    FUEGO Club Coordinator

    May 4, 2009
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    DFW Texas
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    Mine is pretty much the same at idle, once the oil is at temp (190-210).
     
  4. btwdriver

    btwdriver New Member

    May 4, 2009
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    I have an R56, but when oil is up to operating temp, I have 19-20 psi of oil pressure. That increases to around 40 psi when at RPM's.
     
  5. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

    May 9, 2009
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    What is it off idle?
    The viscosity of the oil will only effect the psi during warm up. Engine oil will only vary slightly with psi from cold start to reaching temperatures above 160.

    With respect to the quality of the gauge and sender(if electric) it may be a good idea to have a shop check you actual psi to rule out a misreading gauge.
     
  6. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

    Jun 6, 2009
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    My AutoMeter electric oil pressure gauge reads about 5 psi at idle when the oil is warm.
     
  7. Pengrayghost

    Pengrayghost New Member

    Sep 3, 2009
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    When I questioned the dealer I was told that 7 to 10 pounds was normal with the 5/30 synthetic at operating temp. Approaching 40K miles and no adverse effects yet.
     
  8. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

    May 9, 2009
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    As per BMW/MINI

    At Idle............... 3-6psi
    At 3000 RPM +... 25-80 psi
     
  9. FUEGO

    FUEGO Club Coordinator

    May 4, 2009
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    DFW Texas
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    That pretty much jives with what I've seen although at operating temp, and at idle it's more like 6-10 (psig) on my Marshall Instruments electric. My 2005 is at 48.5k miles.
     
  10. plasticknives

    plasticknives New Member

    Apr 15, 2010
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    That seems really low to me. My idle is 23-27 psi, cruising at 3000rpm is 55-60psi.
     
  11. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

    Jan 25, 2010
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    That does seem low....I know when I an idling in the AM, my oil pressure is low...like 25 PSI low....but sure not 3-6 PSI low!!
     
  12. Pengrayghost

    Pengrayghost New Member

    Sep 3, 2009
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    I wonder if the lower readings are the Tritec (02-06) and the higher are on the Renault (07 and up)?
     
  13. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

    May 9, 2009
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    Cars like humans do not do well with high oil pressure. We always think higher is better but this is not the case with cars. Volume is the benefit when talking about oil. Causes of concerned from constant very low oil pressure readings (that do not increase with rpm) would be from an engine getting tired (high mileage or spirited daily driving?), faulty OP sensor or gauge, in the worst rare case an oil pump that has clearances beyond the specified tolerance with the oil pump gears and oil pump housing. If the oil or engine light is not coming on and you are not hearing strange engine noises rest easy! :lol:

    Change your oil often and before the required intervals!!!!!!!!
     
  14. justintime

    justintime New Member

    Sep 7, 2009
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    hunting manbearpig
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    Things that my MINI go Fast 50mph tail wind and 40% downhill grade! I love those moments!

    sorry for the offtopic... continue
     

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