Oil level gauge questions

[Gros Ventre]

Agreed, further to that keep in mind that unless the loss in pressure is sudden, by the time that switch tells you something's wrong, you could have engine damage.

Sponsored

 

[Dale B]

Agreed, further to that keep in mind that unless the loss in pressure is sudden, by the time that switch tells you something's wrong, you could have engine damage.

A red idiot light is probably a better warning than a gauge with no markings, especially one that stays at one quarter most all the time. Oil temperature would probably give more warning of danger ahead.
I would assume that check engine lights and warnings would start going off if oil pressure were to drop suddenly and possibly give me time to put it in neutral and shut the engine off.

It’s really not something that we need to worry about. I don’t believe that I have ever had an oil pump go out on me. I have had oil lines let loose, but the clouds of blue smoke were better indicators that oil pressure gauges.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

A red idiot light is probably a better warning than a gauge with no markings, especially one that stays at one quarter most all the time. Oil temperature would probably give more warning of danger ahead.
I would assume that check engine lights and warnings would start going off if oil pressure were to drop suddenly and possibly give me time to put it in neutral and shut the engine off.

It’s really not something that we need to worry about. I don’t believe that I have ever had an oil pump go out on me. I have had oil lines let loose, but the clouds of blue smoke were better indicators that oil pressure gauges.

I have seen oil pressure drop like a rock on an oil pressure gauge. Shut the engine off within a second. Very good indicator of a spun bearing, which is what I had. A crank polish and a set of bearings, vs crank turn and rods reconditioned, an oil pressure gauge provides a LOT more than an idiot light.

Some people will be fine with “a red idiot light” vs an oil pressure gauge. Just as some feel a voltmeter is fine as opposed to an amp meter.

Many people simply NEED to read the owners manual and understand what an oil pressure gauge is and what actual gauges are displayed on the instrument panel.

In the last 50 years, I have NEVER seen an engine oil level gauge in ANY vehicle produced in the US. Had an Audi overseas as a loaner, it must have been a late seventies model. It had an actual oil level gauge, it the only one I’ve ever seen.

 

[v8440]

I have seen oil pressure drop like a rock on an oil pressure gauge. Shut the engine off within a second. Very good indicator of a spun bearing, which is what I had. A crank polish and a set of bearings, vs crank turn and rods reconditioned, an oil pressure gauge provides a LOT more than an idiot light.

Some people will be fine with “a red idiot light” vs an oil pressure gauge. Just as some feel a voltmeter is fine as opposed to an amp meter.

Many people simply NEED to read the owners manual and understand what an oil pressure gauge is and what actual gauges are displayed on the instrument panel.

In the last 50 years, I have NEVER seen an engine oil level gauge in ANY vehicle produced in the US. Had an Audi overseas as a loaner, it must have been a late seventies model. It had an actual oil level gauge, it the only one I’ve ever seen.

My 2025 ram 1500 has an oil level gauge and no dipstick. Go look at one, that'll be your first. Just don't buy it.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

My 2025 ram 1500 has an oil level gauge and no dipstick. Go look at one, that'll be your first. Just don't buy it.

Nope, I’d rather drive my ex-wife than a Dodge
But thanks for the tip, I was wondering when they were gonna get rid of dipstick. Saw that come in a few years ago.

 

[Dale B]

I have seen oil pressure drop like a rock on an oil pressure gauge. Shut the engine off within a second. Very good indicator of a spun bearing, which is what I had. A crank polish and a set of bearings, vs crank turn and rods reconditioned, an oil pressure gauge provides a LOT more than an idiot light.

Some people will be fine with “a red idiot light” vs an oil pressure gauge. Just as some feel a voltmeter is fine as opposed to an amp meter.

Many people simply NEED to read the owners manual and understand what an oil pressure gauge is and what actual gauges are displayed on the instrument panel.

In the last 50 years, I have NEVER seen an engine oil level gauge in ANY vehicle produced in the US. Had an Audi overseas as a loaner, it must have been a late seventies model. It had an actual oil level gauge, it the only one I’ve ever seen.

I have two other vehicles with oil level gauges, but both of them have dry sump oil systems.

Sponsored