I have a 96 Dakota with a 318 engine. Two days ago when we were towing a trailor, the oil pressure dropped to zero. I pulled off, waited 15 minutes and the oil pressure was normal but after about 5 minutes, the pressure dropped to zero. This was repeated about five times until we travel about 20 miles to Hillsville VA and replaced the oils sensor. the oil pressure was normal for about ten miles and dropped to zero. Since we had oil pressure, we continued the drive (about 100 miles) without any problems with the new oil pressure reading zero. The next day when I started the engine, oil pressure was indicating properly.

Problem seems to be temperature sensitive. Any suggestions what I should try next to fix the indication problem with the sensor.

Thank you,
Leonard Passmore
lhpdgp@cs.com or leonard.passmore@elixsys.net or LPassmore@TravelLeadersRDU.com
ph 423-676-2069

 

Today we pulled the plug there was no oil leakage around the sensor unit and the electrical connector plug appeared to be clean and looked normal; however, we did use a small file to clean the female connector on the plug.

When the plug was reinstalled, the oil pressure read about a third higher than it had indicated before cleaning and when the truck was driven for a half hour, there was a very slight drop in pressure (about the width of the needle) as the engine warmed up and thereafter the pressure was rock steady until the engine was idled.

We were unable to repeat the problem we experience the previous day and wonder if the problem was caused by a poor connection and was not defective oil sensors (?).

Leonard Passmore

 

Could be. Keep an eye on the oil pressure, but don't argue when things resolve themselves.