I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.9 360. I was wondering what should my oil pressure be? At start up I'm at a solid 40 than as I drive and the engine warms up it fluctuates between 30-40 is this a normal? Also in 3000 miles my truck uses about a quarter of a quart to a half of quart of oil. Is this normal? Or possibly signs of a pleuim problem?

 

Oil usage definitely could be a plenum issue. I would check that asap. Our gauges aren't that accurate so I wouldn't put a ton of trust into it. Mine is about 70psi on startup and about 35 when warm and changes with RPM.

 

Oil consumption is not normal in a healthy engine...as was mentioned, you need to check that plenum (remove air intake, throttle body, and look down in to intake manifold for pooling oil). My oil pressure is about 65 psi on startup and then fluctuates from 35 psi to 65-70 psi when driving depending on engine rpm. At warm idle, it's right at 35 psi. This pattern is normal for these trucks especially since the oil pressure sensor isn't super accurate

 

What are the steps in replacing the pleuim if deemed necessary? Detailed steps preferred?

 

Download the factory service manual. (96 version will work for you, if there isn't a 97 version in the service manual thread. (its in the faq section)) Look under "intake manifold remove/replace".

 

If you read the plenum sticky, there are links to detailed steps.

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