Oil Pressure

[loucas]

Today I took my car in for an oil change at the worst place I've ever been to for service (Courtesy Chevrolet) in Houston. If you have the opportunity, avoid it.

When I got back home I noticed that my oil pressure at idle was hovering around 29 psi. It used to hang around 37 psi before the change. They used 5w 30, although I had requested 10w 30, and according to service sheet they used 8 quarts.

I am afraid they f$cked it all up, and now I'm thinking about having it done again at another place. And all at a cost of $100.00.

That's definitely the last time I visit that place. I wasted my time and money.

Any thoughts on the oil pressure? Is this too low (29 psi at idle)?

[VettTheRipper]

Your pressure at idle is OK. The service manual states that it can go as low as 6 psi at idle although that would worry me.

There's a good argument for changing it yourself

[Terry S]

Is 29psi at idle with the engine warmed up or when it is cold? I have 5w30 & I think mine runs about 30 or so at idle when warmed up. I think cold idle is upper 30's or maybe 40.

Did they use Mobil 1? If so I would not bother changing it unless you will be racing. It will be hard to see on the dipstick but check to be sure it is not over full. 8 qt. is to much particularly if they did not let it completly drain which I doubt if they did. They either over filled it or charged you for more oil than they used.

This is why I refuse to take my car to have anything done unless I cannot do it myself. The old saying is true "If you want it done right do it yourself!"

If it is overfull I suggest you make them drain some out or make them drain it all & refill with what you asked for. However unless you handed them instructions in writing & have a copy (which I've learned to do) they will just tell you they put in what the general recomends.

Sounds like another dealer to stay away from unless they will make it right with you.

Good luck.

Terry

[Terry S]

They know damn well 6 psi is way too low!!!!

Just another way to have something in writing to avoid fixing something under warranty!!

[loucas]

I think I'm getting about the same oil pressure reading (29 psi warm, higher when cold). Don't think I'll have it done over, but I am going to look into ramps and start doing it myself.

[Jayzvette]

I'm at about 29-30psi warm also. The Dealer I bought my car from does all the maintaince on my Z, they are great. I would however check to see if they overfilled it. 8 qts seems like to much oil to me?? Maybe they just made a mistake and charged you for an extra quart?? I would call them and ask what GM recomends for proper amounts. If they say 7 qts then I would ask why they charged you for 8????? Good Luck

[Jerry Velders]

If I thought someone had put too much (or too little) oil in my car, the first thing I'd do is pull the dipstick. Maybe we're getting too reliant on computers telling us when to do things. If you change your own oil (and it's not difficult), you'll know that everything's been done properly. When you take it to a shop .. especially a dealership .. they're going to put their cheapest, least experienced guy on it.

[Terry S]

Yea but he had 3 weeks experience changing oil in a french fry vat before the dealer hired him!

And he drives a Yugo which will now be getting a steady diet of used Mobil 1 instead of used french fry oil.