Oil pressure sender voltage

[Jim Werth]

Does anybody know what the aproximate voltage should be off the oil pressure sender? I'm getting about 4.7 volts. Is this normal? Oil pressure gauge is not working. Wondering if its the gauge or the sender. Thanks Jim

[wizard]

Does the voltage vary with rpm or temperature. If it does that would indicate a GOOD SENDING unit.

[Cobra20646]

Jim,

I would expect to see something in that range, but try this test first to be sure.....

With engine not running (0 PSI) check the voltage at the sender.

Start engine, check voltage again. Did it change?

If it did, and nothing appears on the gauge, I would suspect the gauge. If it didn't, then suspect the sender.

To finalize your test, disconnect the wire from the sender.

Measure the voltage at the end of the wire. Should be 12 volts, or equal to battery voltage. If it's anything else, you have a problem with the wiring or the gauge.

If it's 12 volts, have someone watch the gauge while you connect the wire to ground or to the block. Do this very quickly, as holding it to ground too long will cause the gauge to fail. Your observer should see the gauge jump from 0 PSI to maximum needle deflection. If it don't move, your gauge is defective.

Good luck and let me know what happened with your tests.

- Jim -

[Mr.Fixit]

I never trust an electrical oil pressure gauge.

[Jim Werth]

I'll probably have to check tomorrow. We are in the middle of a sleat and freezing rain storm. My electricity went out about 5 different times. Jim

[Harris]

Jim,
With all the sleet, snow and rain nobody would expect you to be out in the elements. Give your wife a flashlight and a cell phone and have her take the printed version of this post with her and do some electrical measurements. With the cell phone you could check up on her every few hours from inside a heated structure. You might have her wear a raincoat..to keep the flashlight dry.
Harris

[scratch]

Harris,
You are funnier than sh!#

Scratch