Confused on oil pressure
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 288
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From: Amarillo, Texas
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0I
So I came across some threads of people talking about their oil pressure. Well I have a 92 5 speed 4.0 HO
And my pressure stays about 40 at idle. People are saying it should be 10. Is that right or has my jeep just been messed up since I got it haha.
And my pressure stays about 40 at idle. People are saying it should be 10. Is that right or has my jeep just been messed up since I got it haha.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,023
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From: salem, OR
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
13-40 ish is normal, most of the time as far as I've seen its usually at 40 or hair above or below. What size and type of oil filter can also effect the pressure also, when I was using jiffy's oil filter, it was usually under 40 a lot and wouldn't exactly keep a constant pressure, switched to napa gold(wic) and it now stays just a hair under 40 and stays like that unless I let go of the gas. Then it drops.
Also is it at 40 when its up to temp? Or higher?
Also is it at 40 when its up to temp? Or higher?
Newbie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern Massachusetts / Amherst area
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L, 178k miles
13-40 ish is normal, most of the time as far as I've seen its usually at 40 or hair above or below. What size and type of oil filter can also effect the pressure also, when I was using jiffy's oil filter, it was usually under 40 a lot and wouldn't exactly keep a constant pressure, switched to napa gold(wic) and it now stays just a hair under 40 and stays like that unless I let go of the gas. Then it drops.
Also is it at 40 when its up to temp? Or higher?
Also is it at 40 when its up to temp? Or higher?
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo, Texas
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0I
13-40 ish is normal, most of the time as far as I've seen its usually at 40 or hair above or below. What size and type of oil filter can also effect the pressure also, when I was using jiffy's oil filter, it was usually under 40 a lot and wouldn't exactly keep a constant pressure, switched to napa gold(wic) and it now stays just a hair under 40 and stays like that unless I let go of the gas. Then it drops.
Also is it at 40 when its up to temp? Or higher?
Also is it at 40 when its up to temp? Or higher?
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
From: salem, OR
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Well. It stays at 40 pretty much. Except when I haul *** ya know haha but yeah I don't think I've seen it go anywhere near ten, I've always used wix filters and 10-30. But my jeeps not acting up or anything i was just really thrown off by that. Seems crazy to me to have it go that low because it never has I guess
Mine with a napa gold will be at 20 for idle and just a hair under 40 at cruising.
Can't remember the exact detail but I think its like 10psi for every 1k rpms? Don't quote me on that though lol its something like that. Who ever told you that cruising pressure is 13, you should warn them that there might be something wrong with their engine lol
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Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Yeah I've heard the 10k PSI thing as well. A healthy 4.0 seems to be above the middle of the gauge at cold idle, and below it when hot. Should build pressure under load. Your pressure is fine.
A big +1 to avoid cheapo filters. They have a habit if collapsing, and also don't really filter that well. In our engines a good filter is more important than the oil itself. Tons running 10w30 low end conventional with high mileage, no high milers with Orange Cans Of Death.
In my 4.0 the only time I've seen pressure around 20 PSI is after hauling *** on the freeway in 3rd gear (manual tranny). 4K RPM for 10 minutes or so really got him warmed up. Lol
A big +1 to avoid cheapo filters. They have a habit if collapsing, and also don't really filter that well. In our engines a good filter is more important than the oil itself. Tons running 10w30 low end conventional with high mileage, no high milers with Orange Cans Of Death.
In my 4.0 the only time I've seen pressure around 20 PSI is after hauling *** on the freeway in 3rd gear (manual tranny). 4K RPM for 10 minutes or so really got him warmed up. Lol
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 4
From: Riviera, Texas
Year: 1998 Sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
40 PSI at idle is perfect pressure. If you really have any concerns about it. You can always verify the pressure with a mechanical pressure gauge. I do have a feeling that you will be seeing a little lower pressure that you are seeing on the dash unless you don't have many miles on you engine or you recently had her rebuilt. It's always a good idea to verify you pressures and temps every so often since the dash gauges are known to be inaccurate many times.
Your OK. There are too many myths and misconceptions on pressure.
1. pressure is determined by how much internal leakage (clearances),wear,temperature,viscosity,RPM and mileage.
2. Pressure is not an engine function. It is an indicator of engine condition
3. If it is too low there is no simple way to correct it
4. Even if you could change the pressure any condition that caused it in the first place will still be there.
5. Unless you want to tear down the engine and investigate there is little you can do.
6. Quit worrying and drive it.
If it makes you feel better I have been driving for years with almost zero pressure at idle and 20 at cruise speed.
1. pressure is determined by how much internal leakage (clearances),wear,temperature,viscosity,RPM and mileage.
2. Pressure is not an engine function. It is an indicator of engine condition
3. If it is too low there is no simple way to correct it
4. Even if you could change the pressure any condition that caused it in the first place will still be there.
5. Unless you want to tear down the engine and investigate there is little you can do.
6. Quit worrying and drive it.
If it makes you feel better I have been driving for years with almost zero pressure at idle and 20 at cruise speed.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Mine is the opposite...
Cold it's off the dial. And my aftermarket gauge reads off the clock too @ 100 PSI..
Hot, it idles around 90+ and over idle it's back off the clock... cruising it fluctuates between 95 and off the clock..
So far, no issues.
cheers
Cold it's off the dial. And my aftermarket gauge reads off the clock too @ 100 PSI..
Hot, it idles around 90+ and over idle it's back off the clock... cruising it fluctuates between 95 and off the clock..
So far, no issues.

cheers
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
That's not right. Does this no matter what brand oil filter you use?
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
You say aftermarket gauge, is that with a sensor or an oil tube? Something's wrong.
I have a 92 5 speed with a crate motor with about 25k miles and mine runs the same way. 40 at idle and I a ill higher when driving. I've seen it shoot up around 60 before. So there's nothing to worry about! Low pressure is what you want to keep your eye on.






