The oil pressure gauge jumps around and the dummy light comes on from time to time. I searched through the forums and seen that I should hook up a mechanical gauge to see make sure the it was the guage/sensor that was messing up and not that the pressure was actually dropping. So, basically I need to know where I can get a mechanical oil pressure gauge and where and how to hook it up? '96 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.9L Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

test the sending unit first..

mines bad and it jumps around all the time.

 

You might be able to rent/borrow an oil pressure tester kit from you local parts store.
Unscrew your factory oil sending unit and screw in the hose from the test gauge. (by the distributer)

 

Thanks. heybuddy you said test the sending unit first, how do I test it? Also, how hard is it to take the sending unit out with the intake manifold intact. I just replaced the plenum a week or so ago and seen it back there, wish I would have remembered about the jumping gauge at that point. Thanks again!!!

 

Gauges are like $30, get it at any parts store or Summit. Stay away from really crapy brands from Auto Zone or something.