Pressure Guage @ 5 setting all the time

[torontoworker]

I hope this isn't a dumb question but I am a new owner of a 1999 996 C2 'Tip' for all of a week now. I have noticed that the oil pressure needle never moves off the top setting of #5. Is there a problem here? The car runs well, has no leaks andno other problems. I had a PPI at a local dealer which didn't report any issues with this item. I know I would be freaking if it hit 0 but I've had other cars that the pressure did change depending on temp of engine or air temp/load on engine. Do I have a problem with the needle pegged at 5?

Thanks

Edited March 28, 2009 by torontoworker

[perryinva]

Probably the sending unit, especially if it goes to 0 with the engine not running. Normally it's 5 when cold, then drops to 3.5 in 6th at 60mph. Pressure varies with RPM. Idle is about 1.5 when warm.

[torontoworker]

Probably the sending unit, especially if it goes to 0 with the engine not running. Normally it's 5 when cold, then drops to 3.5 in 6th at 60mph. Pressure varies with RPM. Idle is about 1.5 when warm.

Thanks for the info. I can confirm that the dial is at zero when power is applied and as soon as you crank the engine the needle goes straight up to 5 and stays there.

Is the sender in a location (lower part of block) that could be reached by a DIY? I have a mechanic who I bring all my other cars to but he doesn't have any special tools for Porsche's - but is this a no-brainer repair for a normal mechanic or is it wise to take it to a Porsche specialist?

[Ahsai]

Probably the sending unit, especially if it goes to 0 with the engine not running. Normally it's 5 when cold, then drops to 3.5 in 6th at 60mph. Pressure varies with RPM. Idle is about 1.5 when warm.

Thanks for the info. I can confirm that the dial is at zero when power is applied and as soon as you crank the engine the needle goes straight up to 5 and stays there.

Is the sender in a location (lower part of block) that could be reached by a DIY? I have a mechanic who I bring all my other cars to but he doesn't have any special tools for Porsche's - but is this a no-brainer repair for a normal mechanic or is it wise to take it to a Porsche specialist?

If you open the engine hatch and look on the right side, deep into the engine compartment, the sender is nested there. I bet it could be replaced without special tools albeit very tight space.

I attached the photo showing the two shiny terminals and the body of the sender, which is actually brass color (it shows up as black in the photo because of lighting). BTW, the gauge should read 0 when the engine is not running and ignition is in position I/II. When my sender went bad, it actually reads > 0.

[mtimmy]

are you sure this is the oil prsesure sender but not the variocam actuator?

Probably the sending unit, especially if it goes to 0 with the engine not running. Normally it's 5 when cold, then drops to 3.5 in 6th at 60mph. Pressure varies with RPM. Idle is about 1.5 when warm.

Thanks for the info. I can confirm that the dial is at zero when power is applied and as soon as you crank the engine the needle goes straight up to 5 and stays there.

Is the sender in a location (lower part of block) that could be reached by a DIY? I have a mechanic who I bring all my other cars to but he doesn't have any special tools for Porsche's - but is this a no-brainer repair for a normal mechanic or is it wise to take it to a Porsche specialist?

If you open the engine hatch and look on the right side, deep into the engine compartment, the sender is nested there. I bet it could be replaced without special tools albeit very tight space.

I attached the photo showing the two shiny terminals and the body of the sender, which is actually brass color (it shows up as black in the photo because of lighting). BTW, the gauge should read 0 when the engine is not running and ignition is in position I/II. When my sender went bad, it actually reads > 0.

[wvicary]

That is a pressure sender unit in the pic.

[Ahsai]

Yes. 100% positive.

are you sure this is the oil prsesure sender but not the variocam actuator?

[mtimmy]

yes I found out that too.. thanks

Yes. 100% positive.

are you sure this is the oil prsesure sender but not the variocam actuator?

[Dennis C]

Mine always reads 5 when the engine is cold, or when I am accelerating. When I am cruising at 60 mph, it does tend to drop down to 3.5 or so. I will check when it is idling, but I don't think it drops all the way down to 1.5.

[perryinva]

hot 0w-40 Mobil 1. 1.5 at idle. Cold (less than 20 minutes) idles varies from high of 4, and drops failrly quickly to 2.5, then more gradually to 1.5 when fully hot. Higher viscosity always yields higher pressures.