I followed the walkthrough on http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-31.html.

My truck is the base model 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L 2WD Auto.

I went ahead and replaced the oil pump with a new one along with its gasket. However when I started the truck when I was done, it didn't have any oil pressure after running for 30-40 seconds. I primed the oil pump when I installed it and the pick-up tube was oriented down into the oil pan and should be properly submerged.

How long should it take before I get an oil pressure reading on the dash gauge?

 

I wouldn't worry. Whenever I change my oil, it takes me about 30 seconds for the oil pressure to build up. As long as it doesn't do this every time you turn your truck on, you'll be fine.

 

i'd say no more than 10-15 seconds, 20 max.

when you installed the new oil pump, did you think it engaged the distributor shaft ok, and did it seem to seat properly on the mounting flange ?

stupid question - oil level ok?
i don't know how long i'd let it run with no oil pressure... not too long though.

 

Thanks for your replies guys.

When I installed the oil pump I didn't have any problems sliding the pump onto the driveshaft and then bolting it to the main bearing cap. It installed very smoothly.

I then filled the truck up with 4 quarts of Mobil 1 Synthetic 10w30 Extended Performance and 1 Quart of the Lucus Oil Stabilizer. I think the Oil Stabilizer was a mistake because its so thick. I then topped it off with a little more 10w30 until the dipstick was in the safe zone.

I'm worried that the oil pick-up tube might not be making a tight enough seal. If it was sucking a little air in where it threads into the pump, I would assume it would at least build a little bit of pressure. Right now the pressure gauge doesn't flutter at all when the engine is running.

 

Drain your oil again. Dont use that Lucas crap.

But as long as the oil pressure is fine when the truck is running, I wouldnt bat an eye about it.

 

you shouldnt have buttoned it back up if it was sucking air... how do you know its sucking air?

 

i don't think he has any oil pressure at all. that's bad.

if you have an air leak at the top of the pickup tube, then it will suck air there, rather than suck oil up the tube.so

if you have no oil pressure - take it back apart.....

 

+1. Yeah, don't run it again until you check things out.


When I change my oil I just dump a 5 quart jug in it and call it done. There's no need to add anything extra or keep adding and checking until it's full.

 

im curious as to why the pickup tube is sucking oil at the cump connection... if its nice and snug that shouldnt be an issue. does anybody use thread sealant or something?

 

I didn't. I screwed it in till it was snug.... and then gave it another turn. It ain't going nowhere. Its NPT threads..... (tapered) so, the more you screw it in, the tighter it seals.