Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1997 Corvette Engine Oil Sensor, corvette engine, pressure gage

Question
QUESTION: Hi, Tazz,

I have a question for the books!

I have a 1997 Corvette, LS1 5.7, 345HP from the factory.

When I purchased it two months ago, the Oil Pressure Gage was pegged out at 80 LB pressure, and the digital read out, read 130 LB. (It has two read outs, one from a gage, and one digital read out.) So much for background.

I had the sensor replaced, by a local garage, at a cost of $250.00 for labor. (It is under the intake manifold). I purchased the sensor from a Auto parts store, and the Oil Pressure was perfect, at 50 LB at start up, and 35-40 when warm, for one day!, and then when I started it up, (Cold), it went back to up to 130 LB. and stayed there, just like it was, when I got the car.

Well, I had it tore down, and got my money back from the Auto Parts store, and purchased a Engine Oil sensor from the local Chevy Dealer.

I had it installed and it worked perfect, for two weeks, and now the gage pegged again, at 130 LB this morning, when I started it up

What are the chances of getting TWO bad Eng Oil Sensors, OR could you provide another possible cause for this.

         Thank You VERY much for any help!

         waltbrock@yahoo.com

Well, I had it

ANSWER: first of all, is the non-digital a capillary or electronic sensor?

The gauge is reaching max capacity and may not have a recovery unless it is disconnected.

To further analyze your problem, I need to know what type of gauge system your have.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tazz,

You asked: is the non-digital a capillary or electronic sensor?
It has one electronic sensor under the intake manifold, that has three prongs, on one end, and a small hole on the other, that screws into the block, and a plug comes out of a wiring harness and plugs into it. Both the Needle gage readout, and the digital readout gets the information on pressure from this one sensor.

BTY: As soon as I turn on the key, the needle gage pegs at 80, and the digital readout go up to 130 lb., and the car is not running.

Answer
no. I will go with your original theory and you have 2 sensors that have failed. You might ask the dealer if there is not a filter they can put over new sensor to dampen the shock as obviously these things a designed for just bare max.

You might also go to a higher range sensor that would be less accurate on the low end, but would last.