What are the causes of unstable engine oil pressure?
2 Answers
There are three main causes of unstable engine oil pressure: 1. Insufficient oil pump suction: The oil strainer screen being clogged with impurities, incorrect installation preventing the screen from fully immersing in oil, or using excessively viscous oil can all lead to insufficient oil pump suction. 2. Malfunctioning pressure relief valve: If the relief valve spring is severely corroded, the valve seat is unevenly worn, or the spring is broken/deformed, the valve core may stick and fail to open/close responsively with pressure changes. 3. Air ingestion in oil pump: External air mixing with oil pump air causes pressure fluctuations.
When I first bought my car, I encountered the annoying issue of unstable oil pressure, which can actually be caused by many factors. For example, the oil level might be too low—simply put, there's not enough oil, so you need to frequently check the dipstick to ensure it's within the proper range. Another possibility is a faulty oil pump, where internal component wear leads to uneven oil pumping, which may sound minor but has a big impact. Oil passage blockage is also a problem—imagine carbon deposits or debris clogging the oil lines, disrupting oil flow and causing erratic pressure. Additionally, sensors might malfunction, sending incorrect signals and leading to misjudgment. My friend's car even experienced increased oil leakage and unstable pressure due to enlarged bearing clearances. If not addressed promptly, the engine can overheat and suffer accelerated wear. So now, I change the oil every 5,000 kilometers, choosing the right viscosity, and take the car to the shop to check the filter and pump head. I also keep an eye on the dashboard pressure display and address any abnormalities early.
