So when I start up my 1999 Ram 1500 with the 5.2L V8, the oil gauge goes just below the midway point of the gauge. However, when I put the truck in gear and drive around for a bit, I notice that the needle moves way up, to about 100. After a while, the needle will come back down to just before the midpoint of the gauge and rest there for the remainder of my drive. I notice no oil leaks or anything under the car. Is this normal for an older engine?

 

What weight of oil do you have in it? I forgot who but someone has a video of their oil psi gauge fluxuating the way it should, hopefully he chimes in. When you start the car cold, should be around 60-70 psi (dependent on day temp), as it warms should be between 40-50psi and when you accelerate it should be around 60psi again only until you start to coast or decelerate.

 

I would suspect 10w-30. However, the last oil change was done by PepBoys...so who really knows what they could have put in there. Would that really be an issue?

 

This?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pqRqswecGU

 

Don't trust the Dodge gauge, they're suspect.

 

Yes, Kejobe. That is exactly what it is. So is that a normal thing?

 

Yup. Normal. The oil pump will spin faster as the rpm goes up, therefore building more pressure.

 

My gauge reads 0 when idling then when I rev the motor it goes to 100. Been doin it for over a year. Good ol factory gauge :P

 

Well of its crazy heavy oil yes, but if your experiencing same as video I wouldn't worry. If its truely bothering you try 3 things, change the psi sender (back of the block), add an aftermarket one and lastly change the oil pump (so you know its good). Again, just options to ease your concerns. You don't have to go out and do it.