I was hoping if I bounced my problem around here I might be able to rescue my Dakota.

Several weeks ago the temp gauge said the engine was starting to over heat, I pulled over and checked the radiator which was empty, I filled it with antifreeze and it drained very quickly. Checked the oil and found the antifreeze, towed it home.

I replaced the timing/chain cover housing, put new oil/antifreeze in and drove it to my gf's house, along the way I verified that I had plenty of oil pressure and the temperature checked out. On the way home however shortly into my trip the oil pressure tanked and I shut off the engine, checked oil and antifreeze everything checks. Restarted and I had low oil pressure, whenever I hit the gas it tanks. I babied it home and had to go slower and slower, when I started I could hit 1500rpm before losing oil pressure, as I progressed my rpm's got lower and lower, before long I couldn't go above 500.

That 30 minute drive took several hours, the next day I replaced the sending unit with no luck (maybe I got a bad one). I am considering pulling the pan which I have heard either you have to pull the FWD or raise the engine. I talked to a mechanic who said my bearings must be fried and that I will need a new engine. Could it likely be the oil pickup or pump?

1995 Dakota 318, CC 4x4

This Dakota has been through a lot and gained a pretty high reputation, hopefully I can get it back on the road.

EDIT: I just got called back by the mechanic who says it's possible that it's trying to suck up a piece of gasket or something, he wants $800 to fix it.

 

It is possible you got a bad oil sending unit, it is a very common problem. It is possible your oil pump screen is clogged. I would be more worried on how the coolant is getting in your oil. Bad head gaskets possibly.

 

If it's a bad *** Dakota, then maybe its time for a 5.9 swap.

 

It is likely a bad sending unit or pickup.

Just to be clear, the coolant/oil problem was solved, replaced timing chain cover gasket.

Probably the most common problem with 318's is coolant getting into the oil from a blown timing/chain cover gasket. If you EVER suspect a bad head gasket and it's not rolling smoke, go straight for the timing chain cover gasket, 9.5 times out of 10 that's what it is. This is the second time I have replaced that gasket, I ordered a brand new timing chain cover this time ($45 from ebay).

I have been considering that, we had the option of special ordering the 5.9l but $1200 for a bored out 318 didn't sound worth it back in 95. Besides that the reliability of the 5.2l is much more renown. If I end up having to put a new engine in, the 5.9l is an option because I don't expect this truck to last a whole lot longer anyways. It's at that age where I am getting a lot of little electrical gremlins.

If it comes down to a new engine, I might just purchase a 2500/3500 cummins since I figure it gets 54% better mileage on the highway versus my Dakota and I do a lot of towing.

Besides getting a new oil pressure sending unit, I am also considereing shooting 150psi down the sending unit hole in an attempt to unplug the oil filter, if it works and unclogs the pickup even for a few seconds that would spotlight the problem, maybe even earn me a little peace of mind.