Hey guys/gals...it's been a while since I've posted here. I've got a question, I'm not sure if this is a common problem for the 2001 2.3L engines or not. On cold days, when I start my truck the oil pressure will stay at 0 for about 1 minute. I thought that my oil was too thick because I had put Lucas Oil Stabilizer in it which is some pretty thick stuff...so I changed my oil with Mobil1 5-30 and without the Lucas additive (decided I don't need it on a fairly low mileage engine). However, with straight 5-30 the oil pressure still stays at 0 for a minute.....I hate it cause I know it's horrible on the engine. Does anyone have any ideas? Should I try an engine flush....maybe some Marvel Mystery Oil to make sure all the Lucas is out? Any help is much appreciated..

PS..this does not happen with the temperature is about 40 +.

 

Your oil pressure is fine, your oil sending unit is bad. It's like a "sensor" for the gage, it's common for them to go out.

 

I just found it kinda odd that it only did it when it's cold outside. Once the truck has been running for about a minute or so...the pressure jumps up to normal and stays there.

 

Mine had a problem randomly dropping to "0" when it was really cold outside before everything warmed up, and I remember a couple other people having the same problem, but I don't think it's enough to make an "issue" out of it. I just ignored mine and put a real oil pressure gauge in it...

 

ok...since it seems to be the sending unit, how hard is a sending unit to replace?

 

if it is anything like the older 2.3 L engines, it is under the intake manifold on the block and is a pain to get to.

 

exact same problem for me also. I took it to my mechanic instead of paying a hundred for the Ford dealer to just look at it. He told me its the sensor sticking because its so cold, so no big deal.

 

i had that problem and the oil pump screen was clogged up with gasket material, so just keep an eye on it