Low oil pressure in Universal M4-30

[ChangsinLattitudes]

Went out for a sail today and while motoring out, noticed the oil pressure was a lot lower than normal. I dont have a buzzer or light hooked up and Universal doesn't publish a "minimum oil pressure" that I'm aware of. It's a 1996 Universal M4-30 with 1015 hrs on it. She usually runs around 75 psi. Today during warm up I noticed 50, within 20 minutes it dropped to 25-30psi and stayed steady. Once under sail I checked oil level and bilge/compartment for oil leaks and didn't notice any anything abnormal. Did an oil change about 15 hrs ago. 25-30 psi concerned me but is that sufficient pressure to lubricate?

Any ideas on what could be causing the low oil pressure? What should I check or possibly replace? Don't have a ton of experience working on diesels but willing to learn whatever I need to.

Thanks all,
ChangesInLatts

 

[Rick486]

I've had more than one oil pressure sender expire on me on several different engines. I would try first replacing the sender. Although I must say I've had strange things happen there as well where new senders said to be compatible with the oil pressure gauge also gave strange readings.

 

[Donnybrook]

75 psi at start up sounds about right. 25-30 psi once the engine is warmed up also sounds about right. Oil buzzer is usually set at about 8 psi. I don't think you have a problem.