97 SOHC Oil Pressure Guage is showing High

Raaz · #1 04-30-2008, 10:17 PM

Hi Everyone,
I have a 1997 SL (SOHC), and my oil pressure guage is almost near H.
The engine oil has always been changed on time, and the car does not burn or leak any oil.

When I am idle, the pressure guage does return to normal, but once I begin to drive it goes up to near H. I am not sure if this particular or any model for that matter have an Oil LED on the front dash.

Most of the search I have done has been more toward people reporting low oil pressure.

Can someone explain what's causing this? Other than the sender is faulty.

Thanks for any inputs!

new2mitsu · #2 04-30-2008, 11:14 PM

too much oil?

VR43000GT · #3 05-01-2008, 03:19 AM

Well, if you have checked your oil level and it is in check, my guess would be your gauge is faulty. The gauges in 3S's are known for being a POS.

Girly VR-4 · #4 05-01-2008, 09:07 AM

we've had a few base models with very high oil pressure.

At least you know you won't be spinning bearings anytime soon from oil starvation

fyi, for some reason, SOHC's have a tendency to have higher oil pressure than the DOHC or TT models. No idea.

If it's always been like that, then there's no reason to start worrying about it now

mistermoonpie · #5 05-01-2008, 11:41 AM

If I'm not mistaken, doesn't the 97 SL have DOHC?...Because MY 97 SL is a DOHC...Maybe you had an engine swap? In which case, perhaps some faulty engine work/wiring is to blame for the high oil pressure reading?

Girly VR-4 · #6 05-01-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistermoonpie

If I'm not mistaken, doesn't the 97 SL have DOHC?...Because MY 97 SL is a DOHC...Maybe you had an engine swap? In which case, perhaps some faulty engine work/wiring is to blame for the high oil pressure reading?

you can't just swap in a SOHC. It's a little more complicated than that.

But he either has a 97 SL with a DOHC, or a 97 Base with a SOHC. or a mis-badged 97 base.

AutostradaVR4 · #7 05-01-2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girly VR-4

you can't just swap in a SOHC. It's a little more complicated than that.

But he either has a 97 SL with a DOHC, or a 97 Base with a SOHC. or a mis-badged 97 base.

indeed. the only 97 with a SOHC was the base model.

Polygon · #8 05-01-2008, 05:58 PM

I wonder how close to the top it is. I had a Chrysler Sebring and it had a Mitsubishi 2.5L V6. When I got on the freeway it would get pretty close to the top.

Raaz · #9 05-12-2008, 04:53 PM

This particular model is the base (SOHC).

Of course something new went wrong with the car, and I'm trying to figure out if it's the water pump or something else. I noticed there was liquid on the ground, and as I got under the car, I noticed it was the coolant. It was slowly dripping down right below the oil pan. When I cranked the engine, it started to drip even faster. I was trying to trace it down, but I can't see where it is exactly coming from, but it is definitely around the Water Pump/Timing belt area.. I am hoping I don't have a cracked Block.. I didn't see any coolant in the oil..

I was planning on taking it to my Mech. so he can make some recommendation. Unfortuently I don't have the time to tear the engine down, and figure it what's causing it..

Anyone wants to take a shot at this little Anomaly?

AutostradaVR4 · #10 05-12-2008, 06:24 PM

It takes a lot to crack an engine block, i would jump to such an extreme conclusion.

probably just a leak in the water pump gasket/seal. Any word on when the pump was last replaced/last 60k tune? how many miles are on her?

Raaz · #11 05-12-2008, 08:14 PM

The previous owner did change all the belts (timing/accessories), water pump, and tenisoner pully. It was done around 134k.. the car now has 157k.. I bought it when it had 146k... it's been a good car, and I have enjoyed driving it.. When I took it in this evening, I didn't see it leak anymore.. which is very bizzare, since it was leaking fairly fast... so I guess I will hear back from the Mechanic in the AM.. and maybe he will find what the problem is...

I did check the oil fulid to make sure I didn't have head gasket cracked.. since I drove it about 10 miles to get to the shop..

Thanks for your input

Raaz · #12 05-13-2008, 06:14 PM

Well, I got some news from the Mech. and it's not looking good..

He thinks it's the freeze Plugs or the head Gaskets having a small leak.. he said he really didn't want to mess with it, since these types of engines are hard to work on, without charging an arm and a leg..

So, I guess I will take to the dealership, and see if they can isolate the problem.

I did notice, once the engine is hot, it does not leak... so the expansion of the metal does help some...

Anybody know where the location of the freeze plugs are by any chance, or have a diagram of it?

If I end up doing the work myself, I will have to buy one of those Real "Shop" manuals.

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