Hey yall, I posted a thread a few months ago about my truck showing no oil pressure.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-clicking.html

I changed the oil a couple times and changed the valve cover gaskets, and my dad added some oil treatment.

Since then, it has worked perfectly. I had a job where I traveled about 150 miles a day to and from work, worked 5 days a week. So as you imagine, I have racked up some mileage.

Then, about 2 weeks ago, my truck showed the "check gauges" light and claimed to not have oil pressure again. I was on the highway and the truck ran fine for a couple miles so i thought nothing of it, until it started knocking. Once it started knocking I stopped abruptly and had it towed home. I'm guessing that my pickup line is clogged or my pump has finally died. Now, for the questions:

1. It seems that it has only done these problems after I change the oil. I keep sticking to 10W-30 and seafoam each time I change the oil. Why does it keep having problems after I do this?

2. I may try to tackle changing the pump this weekend, finances permitting. Does anyone have any personal experience they can add in with my haynes manual?

3. I have read that I need to lift the engine to change the oil pump and that I don't need to lift the engine. Which is right?


The truck is a 2000 dodge ram 1500 5.9 2WD

thanks!

 

It it was knocking, just changing the pump is going to be inadequate to the task. You will also need to have a good look at rod and main bearings. Not to mention cam lobes, and lifters. Running without oil pressure smokes a motor right quick. Especially under load.

You can try changing the pump, pull a couple main caps, and see what things look like. If you find a lot of metal shavings in the pan, time for a rebuild, or, new motor. It's really a pretty easy job. If you have some basic hand tools, and a warm place to work, 'bout two hours start to finish. (JUST replacing the pump/pickup tube.) As you are going to need to go a bit deeper than that... plan accordingly.

Not sure if you need to pick up the engine on the 2wd feller.... I didn't have to, but, mines a 4x4.....

 

Once I get up in there into where the pump is, I have no idea whats going on after that. What is the chance of just changing the pump not being adequate enough?

I'm trying to gauge whether to fix it or sell it. My finances aren't all that great right now and I'm depending on my boyfriend to get me to and from work. Hocking that truck is starting to look better and better. Don't get me wrong, I love that thing....but I have nobody around that can help me get "***** deep" into the truck.

 

If the engine was knocking..... my best guess would be about 95% chance that just doing the pump isn't going to cut the mustard. The tale will be told when you drop the pan, or even possibly just draining the oil. If there is a bunch of metal in the oil, and you don't wanna toss another motor at it, might just as well stop right there, and start looking for something else.

You could try installing a high pressure/high volume pump...... (80 bucks or so for the pump, pickup tube I think was around 15-20 bucks....and yes, high pressure AND volume) but, if the bearings are shot, you will still have a knock, and given the distance you drive, I would NOT trust it. If you were my significant other, I wouldn't even consider letting you embark on a 150 mile jaunt with a questionable motor.

You really need something that gets MUCH better fuel economy given the distance you drive.... unless the job pays REALLY well. (I have issues with more than half my check going into the gas tank.)

 

Just the words I didn't want to hear, lol. Thank you so much for your help.

now to figure out how much to sell this thing for >.<

 

Well.... I am not one to blow sunshine up your skirt. If I told you that changing the pump would be fine, and then you got stranded because the motor blew up, you would be unhappy with me to say the least..... I would just as soon not be responsible for getting you stuck on the side of the road somewhere.

What are the trucks details? You could prolly get 4 to 500 for it just for scrap......

 

its a 2000 dodge ram 1500 5.9 2WD

straight body, other than a dent on the hood and there's a hole in the dashboard.

 

....and maybe I wanted sunshine up my skirt

 

Ah, texas. No road salt to erode the body away there..... Yep, I'm jealous. The hole in the dash came standard on second gens....

Advertise it on craigslist as a parts truck, needs motor. Start around 2000, see what you get offered. Anything over 1000 bucks, sell it.

 

I agree with heyyou completely. I have to say when $$$ is tight, it sucks worse to throw money away on parts when it still wont fix the problem. Keep in mind that low oil pressure can also be caused from worn engine bearings. If the bearing are just caput, the pump may be good anyway. Now, if I was you I wold look at this a little differently. If the truck is overall in decent shape aside form the motor, you should look into getting the motor rebuilt. This can cost less than another used vehicle plus the motor will have a warranty after that. If the body is rusted out or the tranny felt like it was slipping before this, then let it go away & find something better for you. I hope this helps.