Gonna try to figure out my oil pressure issue. Its much lower than it used to be at a warm idle and now the needle jumps around too a little at idle. I realize it may be bearing wear or a worn out pump, but I'm gonna try replacing the sending unit first. Just called around for prices (I'm in Canada) and I got quoted $41 from the aftermarket and $53 from my Dodge dealer. Which one would you go with?

 

Since I'm no cheap ***, and actually like going to the dealer, I'd buy the Mopar part. Plus it gives you an excuse to go droll on the new Rams, Challengers, Grand Cherokees, etc at the dealer!

 

I find Mopar performance parts are usually good quality, and I don't hesitate to buy them. I can't say that about most unknown name parts that come from parts stores or on-line. I usually have to research them before I am willing to give a try (if it is a brand I am not familiar with).

 

Dealer only, I had major probs with after market sending units. I went through 5 before I got one from a dealer and then all was well.

 

check the pressure with a mechanical gauge

 

Thanks guys. I will go with the OEM part.

 

+1 Even with a good sending unit that gauge will lie.

 

Update!!

I replaced the sending unit about 4000 miles ago, but my gauge read exactly the same as before (a little low). But here is where it gets good...

2 weeks ago I was driving down a gravel road at about 60 mph with my window down. I hit a huge washout that bottomed out the suspension pretty bad. Soon after, I heard some noise, but because the window was down it was hard to tell what it was. Well I looked at the tach and it was at 5500 rpm (redline is 5000)! The transmission has shifted into neutral from the huge bump! I'm guessing it was at the high rpm for about 5 seconds or so. I put it back in Drive, and ever since then my oil pressure gauge has read higher. Pretty much exactly where it should be, as far as I am concerned.

My best guess is that the high rpm allowed the pump to clear a partial blockage somewhere in the system, or it sucked something through the pick-up screen that was perhaps restricting flow. Anyway, I'm happy now.

Guess I gave it an unintended "Italian Tune Up". If you're not familiar with that term, google it. Worked for me!

 

Thought there would be more interest in this "cure" for low oil pressure. Maybe I should start a new topic...

 

I think it's only a cure if you have that exact problem, lol. Glad you got out fixed for cheap.