Miatapower List Archive

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: "Mel Hoagland" <(email redacted)>


I now have a real oil pressure gauge. Installation was a breeze, considering
I don't have a lift. The hard part was accumulating the old-style gauge and
sender without paying the dealers' inflated prices. I had wanted to test the
sender before installing, but the only specifications the factory manuals
had were with the sender installed, which is the step I wanted to avoid if
necessary.

Well, it wasn't necessary (apparently). The new system seems to work just
fine. It's great to have this window into the engine. It's hard to imagine
what Mazda was thinking when they downgraded the gauge. The gauge itself
looks identical to the newer ones, so there couldn't be much in the way of
cost savings there. The justification in cost must be in the sending unit,
which is obviously different (about 5 times the size, for one thing).

These are the readings I got:

On start-up, coolant at 18C, engine idling around 1300: 80 psi

Coolant at 55C, engine idling around 970: 55 psi

Coolant at 80C, idle around 970: 30 psi

Coolant at 92C, idle around 970: 20 psi, drooping lower, as low as 10 psi
if the idle droops.

Coolant at 92C, rpms around 2000: 30 psi

Coolant at 92C, rpms around 5000: 60 psi

Under load at normal operating temps, oil pressure is around 60 psi though
normal rpm range, fluctuates from 50 to 70 typically.

Does anybody see anything amiss?

TIA

Mel
------------------------------------------------------------
Mel Hoagland ((email redacted))
"Wheezy" black 96 FMII vrrooommmm

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Larry Alster <(email redacted)>


Mel Hoagland wrote:

> These are the readings I got:
>
> On start-up, coolant at 18C, engine idling around 1300: 80 psi
>
> Coolant at 55C, engine idling around 970: 55 psi
>
> Coolant at 80C, idle around 970: 30 psi
>
> Coolant at 92C, idle around 970: 20 psi, drooping lower, as low as 10 psi
> if the idle droops.
>
> Coolant at 92C, rpms around 2000: 30 psi
>
> Coolant at 92C, rpms around 5000: 60 psi
>
> Under load at normal operating temps, oil pressure is around 60 psi though
> normal rpm range, fluctuates from 50 to 70 typically.
>
> Does anybody see anything amiss?
>
> TIA
>
> Mel

Without the exact temperature details that is basically what i get on
all three cars. The white car runs a little more pressure at hot idle
than the other two but it is all basically the same.

The story i heard for the "newer" style gauge was not as a cost savings
at install but some people just didn't understand the swinging readings
and thought something was wrong with the engine. A warranty call
ensued.
This is where the cost savings comes from, not having stupid people
visit the dealer. Once again we have to pander to the lowest common
denominator.


--
Larry

White Knight 1991 Crystal White #99 CSP
Silver Bullet 1992 Silverstone #17 EM BEGI Stage IV Turbo +
Honey B 1992 Sunburst Yellow

Low Country Miata
Masters Miata
RAGS 074