Ive just bought an import 300ZX TT and thought I had found a winner. Until I noticed that the oil pressure was seriously on the low side. If started when hot and left to idle (or driven below 2k rpm) the oil pressure hardly moves off the 0 line (calibrated in KG /CM2) If given a bit of right boot the pressure goes up to about 2 and then drops back circa 1-ish when idleing.

I changed the shitty oil for Castorl RS and its better but still not as high as I would of thought it should be. There are no nasty rattles, and oil is on the cam veiwed from though to filler cam. Is it just the sensor (and how much do they wanna be?! 80 quid plus VAT!?! Jesus what have I bought?...!) or should I consider re-morgaging the house?

 

What are the differences between UK and Import spec machines? (dont start me off about insurance companies!)

 

Are there any other 300ZX TT owners near Basildon, Essex?

 

Hi Mark,

 

Nothing to worry about. 99.9% its the oil pressure sender unit. They degrade over a period of time and are one of the Z's most common faults. Mine starts of at about 4 when cold and when warm registers between 0 and 1 (idle and accelerating). I have had an oil pressure check and all was well.

 

Andy

 

The oil pressure will normally sit between the two first graduations at idle when hot, mine sits very low too. This is normal.

 

Mine starts off above the middle and gradually goes down below the middle after 5 minutes (at no more than say 2500 rpm. 5 mins plus it rests between 1/4 and 1/2 whie driving.

 

The problem is almost certainly the switch, my pressure went low and I was in a bit of a panic until I got advice from those in the know.

 

The switch was replaced all was fine.

 

I'm in Ongar if that is not too far for you.

 

Grant

 

Cheers Guys! Thanks for the replies - I am re-assureed to say the least. My local Nissian dealer advised me to sell the car quick, and when pressed quoted me 900 quid plus vat plus fitting for a new oil pump. Hmmm thanks alot....

 

I jury rigged an aftermarket pressure gauge into the pressure sender take of point and the pressure seemed to be fine, so when Im feeling rich I will replace the sender.

 

As an aside, I noticed that the oil that came out of the take of point was really stodgy and black even though the engine oil was brand new. Anyone know why? I bled a load of oil through and it seemed to get a bit better but not as clear as the fresh oil. Weird.

 

Grant, Ongar`s not too far at all! Do you ever meet up with other owners? If so where and when?

 

 

i changed my oil sender and went from about 5 psi to 30 psi at warm idle in one easy step :)

 

i get 60 psi under most normal conditions.

 

most likely to be the problem, as everyone else says