Oil Pressure Issues (87 Dakota V6, Base Package)
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Oil Pressure Issues (87 Dakota V6, Base Package)
Hello I have an 87 Dodge Dakota with a V6 and I am having issues with my oil pressure gauge. It was fluctuating when I bought it (only $500) it would get higher pressure when I accelerated and lower at idle. I changed the oil it was black, I mean black. Not sludge-y and didn't have any flakes in it.
After that it ran like a champ for a few days. I went to walmart and the truck didn't want to start and when it finally did the gauge was fluctuating to low pressure when accelerating and normal pressure at idle.
The truck does not knock, is not losing oil (from what the dipstick is telling me). It's just fluctuating in pressure.
The other day when I started it I heard a faint hiss, from the distributor (it seemed to have about 1/8th-1/4th inch of play left to right.) I also seen a vaccum hose that feeds air to the motor unhooked from the air filter housing. I reconnected hose and adjusted distributor to where the trucks idoe should be and it seems to be running better with these adjustments.
Anyways despite all this the oil pressure gauge is still dropping when i accelerate.
I consulted a mechanic friend of mine and he says its the Oil Sending Unit, he has had the same problem before.
Before I replace that I want to know if this could all be related to my distributor issue?
I also want to add my speedometer and odometer does not work properly about once every few days the speedo will bounce and the odometer will work. This lasts about two-three miles.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
James
After that it ran like a champ for a few days. I went to walmart and the truck didn't want to start and when it finally did the gauge was fluctuating to low pressure when accelerating and normal pressure at idle.
The truck does not knock, is not losing oil (from what the dipstick is telling me). It's just fluctuating in pressure.
The other day when I started it I heard a faint hiss, from the distributor (it seemed to have about 1/8th-1/4th inch of play left to right.) I also seen a vaccum hose that feeds air to the motor unhooked from the air filter housing. I reconnected hose and adjusted distributor to where the trucks idoe should be and it seems to be running better with these adjustments.
Anyways despite all this the oil pressure gauge is still dropping when i accelerate.
I consulted a mechanic friend of mine and he says its the Oil Sending Unit, he has had the same problem before.
Before I replace that I want to know if this could all be related to my distributor issue?
I also want to add my speedometer and odometer does not work properly about once every few days the speedo will bounce and the odometer will work. This lasts about two-three miles.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
James
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Northwest Louisiana
The distributor is driven off the oil pump, and helps to hold the pump drive shaft into position against the camshaft, so yes, a loose distributor can help cause oil pump problems.
Did you set the timing by ear, or with a timing light? There's a specific procedure to use to set the timing.
I would replace the sending unit and check the wiring to make sure it's not the wiring to the sending unit going bad, and I'd also plan on replacing that distributor if it's got play.
As to the speedometer / odometer - do you have cruise on your truck or not?
RwP
Did you set the timing by ear, or with a timing light? There's a specific procedure to use to set the timing.
I would replace the sending unit and check the wiring to make sure it's not the wiring to the sending unit going bad, and I'd also plan on replacing that distributor if it's got play.
As to the speedometer / odometer - do you have cruise on your truck or not?
RwP
