[TShort]

Flew KUMP->KBIE->KAEJ in the RV10 a few days ago.
On the first leg I had some minor fluctuations in the oil PSI reading, +/- a few PSI. Temps normal. Engine running fine.
Near the end of leg 2 (of course, over the most hostile terrain coming into the mountains and about the furthest point from any airport), oil pressure dropped to 49-50, wavered there for several minutes, and then almost immediately returned to normal. Oil temps did not increase. Engine was running fine, even with me being hyper attentive to any potential abnormality.

I landed uneventfully. I have uploaded the data to Savvy, and emailed g3xpert for input as well.

Savvy felt it could have been a transient chunk of debris (carbon) between the seat and ball of the pressure control valve.

I am wondering what is the best course of action for troubleshooting prior to flying home (over some terrain initially).

I have the TSO Kavlico sensors for fuel/oil pressure; does anyone know their behavior with a bad ground?

Screenshot of the oil temp/pressure graphs attached. Pressure is the blue line, temp is purple.

Thanks in advance.

 

[azonic75]

Mine did that, I replaced it in less than 10 min and all returned to normal.

 

[kiwipete]

Looks like quite a few very quick changes (spikes) in oil pressure. I would definitely check the wiring both the ground and sensor.
It’s amazing how flying over water or inhospitable terrain heightens your awareness to engine parameters. The good thing is that it’s never dropped dangerously low and that the oil temperature hasn’t climbed.

regards Peter

 

[kms001]

The engine doesn't know it's over water
K

 

[TShort]

The engine doesn't know it's over water
K

No, but the pilot sure does!

I am pretty sure this is a sensor / data issue. My current plan is to replace the sensor and check all wiring prior to further flight.

 

[Ralph Inkster]

No, but the pilot sure does!

I am pretty sure this is a sensor / data issue. My current plan is to replace the sensor and check all wiring prior to further flight.

That includes the D-sub connector pins at the engine monitor module.

 

[TShort]

Wanted to circle back and close the loop.
I had Tim at Approach Fast Stack (the guys who built my harness, etc - great service) overnight me a new oil pressure sensor.
Pulled the cowl and inspected all the wires, etc. Replaced the sensor. Test ran and checked for leaks, then test flew for an hour, all looked good.
Took off and flew home and the oil pressure was rock solid the whole time, problem solved.

 

[gasman]

That is why I have a second oil pressure sender and display.

Oil pressure is the only thing that could cause you to land quickly while under stress, when there is nothing wrong except a bad sender or a dirty connection.

So, I kept Van's oil pressure gauge in the panel.... I had a sender go bad on my EMS and all I had to do was check the second pressure source, and fly on in comfort.

 

[TShort]

That is why I have a second oil pressure sender and display.

Oil pressure is the only thing that could cause you to land quickly while under stress, when there is nothing wrong except a bad sender or a dirty connection.

So, I kept Van's oil pressure gauge in the panel.... I had a sender go bad on my EMS and all I had to do was check the second pressure source, and fly on in comfort.

Interesting you say this ... the original builder had a small mechanical gauge in addition to the EFIS in the old panel.