What is the normal Oil pressure operating range in a 2000 VLX

[Stoef]

I have a new to me 2000 VLX with app. 750 hrs. does anyone know what the normal oil pressure operating range is for this model?

[Steve B.]

Kinda depends on a few things. Cold at idle around 40 psi. Wide open throttle may be upwards of 70. Hot oil after running hard, back to idle may be very low, like around 10 psi., but just touching the throttle past idle will come right back up.

Steve B.

[tbullard]

Per the dash gauge mine is all over the place sometimes about middle of the gauge and other times high not sure if its even reading correct. I assume as long as there is pressure it is OK.

 

[Eagleboy99]

28 minutes ago, tbullard said:

I assume as long as there is pressure it is OK.

Like Dad used to say "Bad breath is better than no breath at all". 

[Stoef]

This all sounds consistent... Thanks!

[Garry]

I have a 2001 VLX, 900+hrs, run QuakerState high-mileage oil.   Ive replaced (1) oil sensor due to leaks at the sensor, and every time that was preceded by oil guage readings going "random".   That said, early on in the season my idle oil pressure/~10psi, but as the summer progresses i start seeing idle/5psi occasionally, and a tap of the throttle brings it back up.  About end-july when I see idle/5psi regularly I do a in-water oil change, and I'm back at 10psi again.    Its probably overkill, but i figure since oil is the life-blood of the motor, it seems like 'short money'.   

[Woodski]

@Garry - your oil pressure drop may be due to some fuel dilution over time.  Might have a slight injector leak if FI.  Keep track of level to see if it increases as the season wears on.  Could also simply be blow by contaminants.  You might also search this site for some comments on erratic oil pressure gauges as some members have noted.

Edited April 16, 2021 by Woodski

[electricjohn]

On 4/15/2021 at 1:30 PM, Garry said:

I have a 2001 VLX, 900+hrs, run QuakerState high-mileage oil.   Ive replaced (1) oil sensor due to leaks at the sensor, and every time that was preceded by oil guage readings going "random".   That said, early on in the season my idle oil pressure/~10psi, but as the summer progresses i start seeing idle/5psi occasionally, and a tap of the throttle brings it back up.  About end-july when I see idle/5psi regularly I do a in-water oil change, and I'm back at 10psi again.    Its probably overkill, but i figure since oil is the life-blood of the motor, it seems like 'short money'.   

How many miles on that hi-mileage VLX? Do a used oil analysis after your oil change. That can tell you a lot. Blackstone labs.com. Told me I was wasting time. Now every two years OCI's. 800hrs.

Edited April 18, 2021 by electricjohn

[Garry]

On 4/17/2021 at 10:03 PM, electricjohn said:

How many miles on that hi-mileage VLX? Do a used oil analysis after your oil change. That can tell you a lot. Blackstone labs.com. Told me I was wasting time. Now every two years OCI's. 800hrs.

it just turned 1200hours (im the original owner).  have never done oil analysis but that is an interesting idea.