Hello... I have a 1998 Ram 1500 Sport 2wd with 5.2L.

The oil pressure drops to zero without warning after reaching normal operating temp. I am thinking that it is sludge and crap around the pick-up tube.

Question is: does anyone have a DIY procedure for replacing the oil pump? I looked at the DIY articles in the FAQ area but nothing there unless I'm blind... (could be).

Thanks in advance for your help!

Dave

 

im not sure where the DIY is, but drop the oil pan, and look at the pickup tube...that may be the culprit...they tend to clog pretty easy...but if you replace that might as well replace the pump IMO

Ive read on here that it took someone only 2 hours to replace the pump and everything...its not a very hard job..just basically drop the pan, and go from there

 

here's a good one.

haynes manual says to lift the engine. that's not necessary.
pavement guy needed to drop his Y pipe. I did not.
I did have to remove my starter and flex plate cover, which really pissed me off.

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-31.html

you might try a Gunk brand engine flush (or similar product) before you drop the pan. the oil pump itself is a big hunk of steel. i can't see how it ever wears out from pumping oil. more likely sludge and the engine flush MIGHT clean it up.

 

Run the cheapest full synthetic(I use Wal-Mart Super Tech full syn. always)10w30 until it starts to get dark, change it and do it again. Then run whatever kind of oil you like and change it every 3,000 and your sludge problem will be greatly reduced if not eliminated.

 

+1

using synthetic has made it so at 3200 miles into this oil change my oilis still clean...not black at all, and i have 199K


....since wheel bearing is done i NEED to change my oil lol....im very stern about changing every 3K

 

Thanks! Great suggestions all! My biggest worry was that I would have to raise the engine to drop the pan...

I appreciate all of the replies! I plan on attacking this either this weekend or next... I will post an update when done!

Than you again!