[Jeepman]

If you are wondering what the sensors on the oil filter housing are for, take a look at this contraption:

Pump … You Up! | Mopar Magazine

www.moparmagazine.com

The oil pump used in the Pentastar (3.6L V6) engine is a two-stage design (the volume of oil pumped is not based on pump speed). The displacement of the pump is not fixed; rather, it has a variable displacement capability.

Low pressure mode regulation (solenoid on) is approximately 200 kPa (29 psi) and high-pressure mode regulation (solenoid off) is approximately 450 kPa (65 psi). The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) switches the pump between stages based on engine operating conditions, oil and coolant temperatures, speed and load. Under most typical conditions, the pump will run in low mode from idle up to around 3,000 RPM, and switch from low to high mode between 3,000 and 4,000 RPM.

 

[Cciman]

More complex than it needs to be.

 

[Valhallalla]

I can still recall the good old days when all you needed an oil pump to do was to pump oil. It was pretty simple. The faster it spun the more it pumped. That's it.

 

[Jeepman]

More complex than it needs to be.

No, it needs to be complex to be efficient and fine tuned to the task. Think 5W-20 motor oil. A more complex additive package to counter wear, but more efficient.
My choice: 5W-30/40

 

[Sienile]

What I find strange is that the Pacifica pump runs lower pressure, but has more stuff to do with it. You'd think adding VVL would increase the pressure demand. But it's minimum pressure at 3k RPM is half the gen1&2 3.6, and 1/3 across the board on max pressure.

 

[Cciman]

I can still recall the good old days when all you needed an oil pump to do was to pump oil. It was pretty simple. The faster it spun the more it pumped. That's it.

More things to break or fail or just be variable.

 

[AeroZ]

 

[Jeepman]

From Haynes Manual?

 

[AeroZ]

From Haynes Manual?

Yup. It misses a lot of useful info but the basics are covered.

 

[Jeepman]

What I find strange is that the Pacifica pump runs lower pressure, but has more stuff to do with it. You'd think adding VVL would increase the pressure demand. But it's minimum pressure at 3k RPM is half the gen1&2 3.6, and 1/3 across the board on max pressure.

Lighter oil = less pressure? Doesn't sound good for cold startup. I suppose the computer takes care of that.
Oil flow (or heat) seems to be a problem with the Pentastar, hence worn rocker arm needle bearings?