I just bought my first Diesel, it's a 1989 E350 ambulance with a 7.3, and 104,000 miles. I had the engine cover off this weekend, and was surprised to find a "remanufactured dealer engine" sticker on the valve cover, and the engine looks new, not any dirt or dust anywhere.
I took it for a cruise, and it runs flawlessly. But, I noticed when idleing, the oil pressure drops to almost zero on the stock gauge! But the engine still sounds fine. If the oil pressure was dropping that low, wouldn't I hear a bunch of clatter(even worse than normal for a diesel) like a gasser does? The engine idles great, but the oil pressure worries me.

 

Hi,

it's the same with my engine. If you want to be sure you can install an aftermarket oil pressure gauge in conjunction with the stock one.

Jens

 

I am going to order a after market gauge today. I am just worried to drive it till I get it installed.
Thanks.

 

Most engines I've run a manual gauge on only idle at 15-20 pounds when hot. They will go to about 45-50 wound up.

Never believe the factory gauge (unless it goes to zero), get a second opinion.