Hey guys, it's been a bit since I posted, but I'm about to put some money into Daisy, my 87 F150 and start driving her daily...I have a small list of issues to address, one of which is an apparent oil pressure problem. If you listen hard enough, it sounds like the pressure is low (very faint tapping, nothing "bad", but it shouldn't be doing it), also the gauge frequently drops to L and the engine light comes on. I know this could be the gauge, and I'm gonna check...but I had a few questions....

1. What stuff will I need (fittings, adapters, maybe a whole gauge setup that works well?) To hook a manual gauge up to it? Might just hook up a permanent auxilliary gauge...

2. If it comes down to replacing the oil pump, can anyone link me to a step-by-step? I know engines pretty well and I know what has to be done, in general, I just wanted a step-by-step to help me avoid any pitfalls associated with this truck and maybe any tricks to streamline the process...

3. Also, if it's the oil pump, which one do y'all recommend? It's a stock 87 4.9 that is used as a daily driver, not driven real hard, might tow a load from time to time...may one day have some basic mods...I just need a good oil pump that will keep her healthy...

Thanks in advance for your time/assistance. If my signature doesn't show for some reason, "Daisy" is a 1987 F150 XL 4x2 rclb with a EFI 4.9 and a 4-speed manual with OD.

 

first and foremost, plumb a mechanical gauge in there to see whats actually happening.

-to remove pump, you have to unhook motor mounts and either jack or crane the motor up as far as it will go, drop the pan (it wont come out, just drop down) then snake your arm in there to feel around and remove the pump. then snake the new one in there to fix it. which pump you pick depends on why you have low oil pressure (once you confirm that you have low pressure). it may not be the pump at all, but worn bearings. you can mask low oil pressure from excessive bearing wear with thicker oil and/or a high volume oil pump. this isnt the best option, but its the cheapest. typically a motor that cant hold pressure needs a rebuild.

 

Well do you know the best gauge setup to put on it? The best adapters and what-not to put on it? I'm gonna put a new pump in it...the engine is strong as hell and uses "no" oil between changes...it seems real healthy, so its worth a pump...she's a good truck...