oil pressure is low
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2007
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oil pressure is low
here's the question. I just bought a 98 Dakota.It's in great shape except after it warms the oil pressure drops to just under a quarter on the gauge.So I thought if anyone would know what the problem was it would be others who own a Dakota. thanks
Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,530
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From: poconos, pa
RE: oil pressure is low
rev her up slowly, dont surpass 3K, see if the gauge climbs, if so, then ur alright... what grade oil are you using?, 3.9/5.2/5.9 require 10w-30 manufacture specs, 3.7/4.7 take 5w-30, mainly its personal preference but it also depends where you live, heavier weight oil for warmer climates, lighter oil for colder climates, just for oil break down purposes, but despite something with the actual oil pressure with the pump or the sensor and gauge.
straight from the manual
1. Low oil level 1. Check oil level and fill if necessary
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit 2. Install new sending unit
3. Clogged oil filter 3. Install new oil filter
4. Worn oil pump 4. Replace oil pump assembly.
5. Thin or diluted oil 5. Change oil to correct viscosity.
6. Excessive bearing clearance 6. Measure bearings for correct clearance
7. Oil pump relief valve stuck 7. Remove valve to inspect, clean and reinstall
8. Oil pump suction tube loose, broken, bent or clogged 8. Inspect suction tube and clean or replace if necessary
9. Oil pump cover warped or cracked 9. Install new oil pump
from the 01 manual, but giving you a general idea
straight from the manual
1. Low oil level 1. Check oil level and fill if necessary
2. Faulty oil pressure sending unit 2. Install new sending unit
3. Clogged oil filter 3. Install new oil filter
4. Worn oil pump 4. Replace oil pump assembly.
5. Thin or diluted oil 5. Change oil to correct viscosity.
6. Excessive bearing clearance 6. Measure bearings for correct clearance
7. Oil pump relief valve stuck 7. Remove valve to inspect, clean and reinstall
8. Oil pump suction tube loose, broken, bent or clogged 8. Inspect suction tube and clean or replace if necessary
9. Oil pump cover warped or cracked 9. Install new oil pump
from the 01 manual, but giving you a general idea
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 51
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From:
RE: oil pressure is low
How many miles do you have on the vehicle? Reason I ask is there are schools of thought against switching over to synthetic oils on high mileage vehicles because, in at least some circles, it is believed switching to synthetic oils on high-mileage vehicles can induce oil leaks. I personally have not seen this, but it is a risk you should know about before reading what I have to say below.
Anyway, I had a similar problem on a chevy small block I built a few years back. I was running about 35 psi at the time, if I remember. I was told by a mechanic friend to try Mobil 1 before I tore the engine down. I did, and the oil pressure improved moderately, to around 40. That was good enough for this car. When I built the 540 ci for my C3 Vette, I broke it in with fossil oil and then switched over to Mobil 1 after 500 miles. The oil pressure at 2000 RPMs jumped from 65 to around 73. It might be just strange circumstances for me, but it might be something for you to try at least. Good luck.
Anyway, I had a similar problem on a chevy small block I built a few years back. I was running about 35 psi at the time, if I remember. I was told by a mechanic friend to try Mobil 1 before I tore the engine down. I did, and the oil pressure improved moderately, to around 40. That was good enough for this car. When I built the 540 ci for my C3 Vette, I broke it in with fossil oil and then switched over to Mobil 1 after 500 miles. The oil pressure at 2000 RPMs jumped from 65 to around 73. It might be just strange circumstances for me, but it might be something for you to try at least. Good luck.