When we run the expressway and then exit stop for lights etc the oil pressure gage will go to almost zero.Drive test shows normal at 45mph,problem is idle or parades

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Wed, 06/28/2006 - 20:14

Lee; You don't have any reason to sleep better just because others have low oil pressure. As I previously said you have to have a mechanic do a physical pressure test, these engines should have good oil pressure. As for oil, I do not use a multigrade, I use straight weight oils depending on season. Here in Los Angeles I use 40W in Summer and 30W in winter. Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by w7ax@frontiernet.net on Sat, 06/17/2006 - 11:48

1991 XJS Classic collectors edition

WOW! I am so glad to see the question results regarding oil pressure on the V12 engine. I just purchased my Jag and that was the only 'problem' I noted and I was certainly concerned about it. I guess I can sleep better now. I note that the car has been using Castrol 10 / 30 which appears to be incorrect. I'll change to the 20 / 50 very soon now. Does anyone know if there is a oil pressure bypass on this engine? Sometimes on some other engines there is and sometimes it's adjustable. Thanks all for the info.

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Mon, 05/22/2006 - 22:29

What year and engine do you have, and where do you live? It is essential that you have someone do an oil pressure test but a good indication of pressure problems can be checked thus; When hot, turn off the engine and see how long it takes for the oil warning light to come on, the longer the better. Then turn it back on and see how long it takes for the light to go out, the faster the better! The MINIMUM pressure for as modern engine is about 10 lbs Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by NW41-38077J on Sat, 05/20/2006 - 04:31

Low idle oil pressure is normal at operating temp. At idle 7 lbs. is OK.
A mechanical gauge under the bonnet to double check will make you sleep better.
Ray Papineau JDRC/NWA
1990 XJS V-12 CONV.
1990 XJS V-12 COUPE
1988 XJS V-12 CAB.

Submitted by dougdwyer@adel… on Wed, 03/01/2006 - 15:31

Yeah, if you have a V12, the low pressure at idle is typical. A bit nerve wracking but nothing to be alarmed about.

I'm not sure if the same applies to the 3.6 and 4.0 six cylinder engines, though.

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Wed, 03/01/2006 - 10:26

Art Dickenson.
1983 XJS GT "Silver"
Pacific Jaguar.ca

Hi Carl,make sure you are using 20 / 50 grade oil not that light 10 / 30 that is used by a lot of North American cars. The sender unit could also be faulty. Our V12 has been low at idle for a long time also, but it does not appear to be hurting anything. I also use full synthetic 15 / 50 weight oil, even the best most expensive oil beats a major rebuild of a V12. I buy several cases when I see it on sale.