Just got an el cheapo dash guage connected to my '03.

The engine was warm from a run around the block before I connected it to the new sammich' adapter I bought.

The RAVE manual calls for a minium of 10 psi at idle and about 50 when revving(at which point the relief valve opens?).

Is 40psi too high at idle?

For what's worth, the oil pump was replaced about 11,000 miles ago.

Second issue: If I have a on again/off again knocking, diesel like sound that comes from the bottom of the engine, would good oil pressure eliminate bad lower end bearings? It's been there since I bought it 11,000 miles ago. It hasn't gotten any louder and I'm not using oil. The head gaskets were replaced last month and there was no sign of any loose sleeves.

 

Does the noise happen when the trans in neutral or drive??
I had a similar noise and it did it when the trans was in drive at idle (04 Se)

 

Both at idle in park and when it's in drive and fairly low rpm. At speed it could be masked by other noises.

When I really hear it, though, is under load....like going up hill at slower speeds or into my driveway.

The cadence is not even half of the engine rpm as best I can tell.

 

My 03 does the same type sound when cold but once warm it quiets down, wondering if this is something specific with the 4.6L engines as my 01 does not do that...

 

I've always heard that a good rule of thumb for oil pressure is 10psi per thousand RPM.

40psi at idle definitely sounds high.....

 

I'm happy to have *any* oil pressure in my '03. Especially since it had a catastrophic pump failure.

It could be instrument error in the Auto Zone quality gauge. Alternatively, it could higher because of the postion of the sensing tube.

The take off is from an oil filter adapter that's placed between the oil filter and oil pump.

Aside from a small leak that I'll take care of gasktet maker, it works ok. If it continues to leak I'll just remove it and temporarily reinstall at oil changes just to check the pressure.

 

Bad knock sensor?

Does it sound like spark knock?
Usually spark knock happens under load, like climbing a hill.

What gas are you using?

 

I've always used premium.

It also does it while on the ramps in the garage but I have to be underneath to notice it. I can hear it in the cab when going up the driveway, though.