Oil pressure concern

notjustair · Nov 15, 2015

First off, I appologize if you have to turn your head. This looks "right" on my iPhone and we don't have Internet out here!

I've always been worried about the oil pressure in the Freightliner semi. It's been this way for as long as I can remember, though (truck is a 97). The truck has 425,000 miles on it and has the Cummins N14 Plus engine in it. The first picture is hot idle when I was sitting waiting at the elevator. The other is as high as it gets hot - wound to the governor at 2,000 rpm. I run 15-40 in it.

This was originally a Ryder fleet semi. I have no reason to think it's been around the clock or that it had an in-frame top end at any point. It runs like it only has 425,000 miles on it and it looks it, too. I'm not sure if this is ok oil pressure, but my thought is always that it should be around the middle of the guage no matter what engine it is.

MARK ROBKE · Nov 15, 2015

I can't remember what those used to run,but it seems low.Your gauge looks like 10psi and 35-40psi.I think they did run low,just not sure any more.The main thing though,is,if you ever doubt a gauge,put a manual gauge on it and compare readings.We used to have some trouble with those Freightliner dashes I remember.You can call a Cummins dealer and ask the specs-they should tell you.Does the pressure increase if you change the oil filter?Only use a good-such as Fleetguard-brand filter.Filters can make a difference.Mark

Mark - IN. · Nov 15, 2015

Apparently it is a problem, but is it a real problem, or a metering problem? Try both links below.

Here's a view besides the link below... www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uQWLT4m8PY

Good luck,

Mark
This might help, Google can be your friend

JF in MI · Nov 15, 2015

Before you jump to conclusions you should check the accuracy of your gauge, possibly with another mechanical one. I had low oil pressure in my van that over the years was getting worse. Was all ready to do a lower rebuild on it when I decided to try another sender first. Turned out the pressure was always as good as the day the truck was new.

Mark - IN. · Nov 15, 2015

Specs
Specs

Tom OConnor · Nov 15, 2015

Cummins engines have always had the reputation of running a little bit lower oil pressure than most. I have that same N-14 engine in a Volvo semi tractor that has just rolled over 400,000 miles and it is nearly the same as yours. I wouldn't worry about it a bit. It was the same way when it was brand new.

David G · Nov 15, 2015

That looks in spec to me

cushman · Nov 15, 2015

One of our trucks that I was running this year also has an N-14 that showed 10psi idling hot,and 30psi at fast idle.I looked in the operators manual,and found that was the specification for the oil pressure.A shop test gauge confirmed the in dash gauge.

Oil pressure concern

notjustair

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MARK ROBKE

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Mark - IN.

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JF in MI

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Mark - IN.

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Tom OConnor

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David G

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cushman

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