read about 2004 dakota 3.7 oil pressure drop . We had left side cam hold down covers break and have replaced head only to have oil pressure drop after start 5 min to 0 shut off and restart have pressure 1 min drops again to 0 . was not able to read answer on forum can you give answer as to why this happened ? we have replacer sending unit dropped pan and cleaned pick up now are thinking oil pump but the forum said he did replaced pump and still has problem. we have no engine noise and mech gadge showes only 5 # off and on can get up to 20 when reving but will not hold there. please give answer as I hate to remove front cover again for new pump if not fixed by doing so.

 

we have replaced left head due to cam hold downs breaking. now oil pressure drops after running short time can turn off and will have pressure again short time. have replaced oil sending unit at oil filter. also placed mech. gadge and pressure will read 5# can rev and get 20# but will not hold. dropped pan cleaned pick up . do not want to pull timing cover if replacing oil pump will not fix. I read on your forum about this but before reg. could not see answers to the question about this problem . engine has no noise runs fine. could you give me some advice on this. also can not find the forum now that I'm reg.

 

Welcome to DF

I will move your post to the 2nd gen dakota section. But here is some information.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHECKING ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
Remove oil pressure sending unit (Oil Pressure Sending Unit)and install gauge assembly C-3292.
Run engine until thermostat opens.
Oil Pressure:
Curb Idle - 25 kPa (4 psi) minimum
3000 rpm - 170 - 758 kPa (25 - 110 psi)
If oil pressure is 0 at idle, shut off engine. Check for a clogged oil pick-up screen or a pressure relief valve stuck open.

 

where is the relief valve . we have replaced the left side head due to cam hold downs breaking then run engine oil pressure dropped to 0 leave set and restart have pressure again for 2 min. can do this all day . we have replaced sending unit , used a mechanical oil presswure gadge, have 80# then 0 valve lifters tap ,also cleaned pick up tube and replaced pump with same results. help am at wits ends. tired of doing work over and over with no improvement. 717 766 7855 is the phone # . never had anything like this in over 40 years in auto repair business.

 

motorsports 61 looking for answer to oil pressure problem . please read post and give help