oil gauge fluctuating-HELP

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Apr 11, 2011 | 06:57 AM

datsun147

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Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 39

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From: aurora, colorado

oil gauge fluctuating-HELP

I have a 1996 ranger with the 2.3 engine and the oil gauge sometimes reads about a quarter of the way up and sometimes doesnt move at all I have put in a new sending unit but that made no diff this truck is new to me i have only put 800 miles on it. also sometimes even after shuting it off the gauge stays at the quarter spot. It seems to run alright so i think the oil pump is fine. any one have any ideas

Apr 11, 2011 | 07:32 AM

projectSHO89

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Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 19,762

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From: St Louis

The stock oil "gauge" is nothing more than a mechanical idiot light. Yours has failed.

Apr 12, 2011 | 09:56 AM

pawpaw

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Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 13,851

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From: SW Va

With the oil pressure gauge sometimes showing pressure after the engine has been turned off, it kinda sounds like the meter movement is hanging up.

The meter can be replaced by removing the dash cluster & there are instructions for doing that in the Tech Info thread atop this forum.
Or maybe you could find another replacement gauge cluster, or a cluster for oil gauge exchange, in a salvage yard for a reasonable price.
Or maybe install an aftermarket electrical oil pressure gauge. There are small ones that'll fit into a windshield panel molding that can take 2-3 gauges if you really want to get gauge crazy!!!! lol

More thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find & how it goes.