Troubleshooting automotive problems can be difficult since so many different makes and models of cars have their own quirks. There are a number of problems that can cause a low oil pressure reading. Likewise, there are a few different symptoms of a blown head gasket.
While some warning signs of a bad head gasket can only be detected with special tools, there are two telltale signs that a head gasket has gone bad. The first is a cloud of white smoke exiting the exhaust. The second is a whitish sludge in the oil caused by water and antifreeze mixing with the oil. Since a bad head gasket can cause a vehicle to overheat, you should check for these warning signs if you have experienced problems with your car overheating.
Low oil pressure can be caused by a number of problems, including inaccurate gauge or sending unit; thin oil due to poor oil quality; excessive oil pressure; broken oil pressure relief spring; oil inlet tube restriction or leak; or excessive oil pump or camshaft clearance.
While the main effect of a bad head gasket on your engine oil will be water or antifreeze getting into your oil, a secondary result could be low oil pressure due to continued engine overheating.
