SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-oil-pressure-after-start

After an engine start, what should you do if oil pressure has not come up within about 30 seconds?

Shut the engine down right away to prevent damage.

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  1. Add power to push the oil through
  2. Shut the engine down ✔
  3. Taxi out and check again at the run-up

Why: Right after start, check the oil pressure gauge. In most conditions it should reach the lower limit within 30 seconds. If it does not, shut down immediately, or serious engine damage is likely.

Huh, didn't know that: The AFH suggests about 1,000 rpm after start so oil pressure can rise without wearing the engine.

The dad joke
Why did the engine get shut down? It just wasn't feeling the pressure.
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References

Answer: Shut the engine down. Right after start, check the oil pressure gauge. In most conditions it should reach the lower limit within 30 seconds. If it does not, shut down immediately, or serious engine damage is likely.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C Chapter 2, Ground Operations www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/03_afh_ch2.pdf
    To prevent damage, the engine should be shut down immediately if the oil pressure does not rise to the AFM/POH values within the required time.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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