Oil Pressure for 1st Gen Tundra

Looking at the stock oil pressure gauge on my 2005 V-8, it seems lower than what I would expect, about 1/4 - 1/2 at idle. Since there aren't any numbers on the gauge to give me an idea of actual pressure, I was wondering if other folks are seeing the same (low) readings?

 

that's normal for pretty much anything at idle when warm.

 

It should be low at idle, and goes up as rpms increase. As long as oil is golden, when it gets black oil pressure drops. First sign of low oil pressure is a clacky valve train, like your valves are out of adjustment, but not.

 

My service manual says for v-8 models, 4-5 psi at idle and 43-85 psi at 3000 rpm. Haynes manual by the way. Chunk.

 

my 2005 v 8 DB 4WD LtD Tundra uses mobil 1 synthetic 5W-30 and when cold the oil pressure is at the half mark .When warm it is just over the quarter mark when idle and never gets back to half even when at high revs. it doesn't burn any oil, 117K miles only mileage and i have been thinking of trying thicker oil in it ..............like dyno oil or higher viscosity ? 10W-30 ?. I had a 2006 V6 2WD tundra before this one that always ran at half or over with the same oil (and my 2008 4 runner with the same engine doesn't have an oil pressure guage for me to worry about duh) ............so do you guys think I should do something about this perceived low oil pressure?

 

I would stick with the recommendation of 5w/30. If you have any oil pressure issues you would here alot of top end noise. clacky valves.

 

thanks zombie .I checked with my mechanic and he said its not a problem so I'll leave it alone .

 

My 04 4.7 is the same running 0w-20. Your mechanic can verify the pressure with a mechanical gauge if you're really concerned.

 

I have an 05 Tundra 4.7.
I bought it new.The oil pressure always shows low on the gauge. Now 120,000 miles later, oil pressure is the same just like yours. I keep the oil clean and use a good filter. Seems happy running strong...

 

Chiming in on this older thread. I noticed my 2002 oil pressure was at the 1/4 mark while idling today. I was a little concerned. I checked the oil and it's fresh and at the correct level. Looking thru some threads it appears correct.

It's a bit annoying that these gauges don't have a visual "ok level" indication. Some have a redline area, which I suppose thru a comparison one is okay if there's no red area... Would be a thoughful touch if there were green and red areas...

 

Evidently, our 4.7L engine and cams are designed to operate at lower pressures. Every so often, we’ll get someone dropping in IN FREAK OUT MODE asking if their truck low pressure is ok.

When I made the switch to Full Synthetic I swear I noticed the needle a hair lower than it used to read.

Good news is I don’t think I’ve ever read someone coming through here saying their engine died of low or high pressure.

 

I've had my '01 for a year now, (97,000 miles on it) and noticed during extreme heat (got caught in the Pacific Northwest inferno) that my oil pressure dropped very low when idling (apparently normal) but also that my A/C stopped blowing cold. When I start driving again, the oil pressure rises, and I get my A/C back. Is the loss of A/C directly related to the low oil pressure? Oil was changed a couple weeks ago, and levels are fine. Thanks...

 

A/c is likely running low on refrigerant. If it’s getting warm at a stop. Slightly warming up is normal. The condenser heat soaks since your not at speed pulling in fresh air not mixed with exhaust gasses of other vehicles

 

stephen, it's not so much that it's related to oil pressure as it is rpm level. Some drop in cooling is normal under the conditions you're describing but I would recommend getting the refrigerant level checked and replace the thermostat and coolant if you haven't done it since you owned it. T-stat and coolant are only good for about 2 years. And lastly, I would check the thermostatic fan clutch to be sure it's functioning properly since this contributes to the cooling and a/c system. You can check it by running the truck until it's up to proper operating temp driving it as you normally would. After that, shut it off and spin the fan blades by hand with a good, strong push/pull. If the fan turns less than 1 rotation it's probably on its way out. OTOH, if it spiins more than 1-1.5x than it is definitely worn out and needing replaced. Oh, and be sure the lower radiator shroud is in place.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLqYs4aIErk