Oil Pressure Problem...
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
Oil Pressure Problem...
On my '93 F150 with the 5.8, my oil pressure gauge is no longer sending a reading....I've checked the oil and i'm sitting in the safe zone according to the dipstick....however...my stock oil pressure gauge is well below "L".
I've been doing a little bit of research and some information i've found says that my oil pickup screen may be clogged...
If this is the case, is it possible to pull the pan without having to pull the motor?
Is it possible to clean the pickup without dropping the pan?
I've been doing a little bit of research and some information i've found says that my oil pickup screen may be clogged...
If this is the case, is it possible to pull the pan without having to pull the motor?
Is it possible to clean the pickup without dropping the pan?
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Pull the single wire off the sending unit and ground it with the key in RUN or ACCY (engine not running). If the dash needle swings fully as you ground/unground it, the wiring and gauge are fine so I'd next replace the sending unit. You could verify the oil pressure using a real gauge at that time.
New User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I have a 5.8 1991 which has low oil pressure so its gettin rebuilt u can pull the pan with out motor out but u have to get cross member out grind rivets put bolts back or take out oil sensor which is on driver side of motor a bottom right by filter replace it or test oil pressure with aux. Oil gauge to measure psi it should be 35 to 40 with good oil when warm
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Have to throw it out there, I've fixed low oil pressure by running seafoam through the crankcase and changing the oil with good oil. Think the oil was so old and crappy it sheared down to a lower weight. Ya never know. Might work unless the oil you have is well within acceptable limits. The oil I changed was 2.5 years old and 6000 miles in. That was sort of... not good.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: 7th realm of hell, Va.
If you think the pick up screen is gummed up you can also try running an engine flush through it(follow the direction on ths can) and see if that breaks it up. Change oil and filter and see what happens
matt
matt
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
Well i checked the wiring as suggested by ctubutis and the gauge ended up pegging out...so i know the wire and stock gauge are fine.
Unfortunantly i dont have the special socket for the actual oil pressure switch and none of the local auto part stores rent them out and I dont have the $60 to buy one....
I think I might just drop the pan and check the pickup and screen...tht's my only other option that this point...
Unfortunantly i dont have the special socket for the actual oil pressure switch and none of the local auto part stores rent them out and I dont have the $60 to buy one....
I think I might just drop the pan and check the pickup and screen...tht's my only other option that this point...
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Try running seafoam through the crankcase or your engine cleaner of choice before you drop the oil pan and check the screen. If nothing else you'll clean your engine. Just save your new oil and filter for when you refil after you drop the oil pan if you have to. Also, check ebay for a used oil switch removal tool. It'll be less than sixty.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I have never needed a special socket to remove the senders, either for gauges or for idiot lights.
IIRC a 1/2" open-end wrench works for gauge senders. The 351W I think has the sender on an octagon-shaped extension from the block, down by the oil filter, correct? Use an open-ended wrench to remove the sender from the extension.
Removing the oil pan and pump is a LOT of work to go through, especially when you haven't verified anything and are relying only on what the stock gauges are telling you.
IIRC a 1/2" open-end wrench works for gauge senders. The 351W I think has the sender on an octagon-shaped extension from the block, down by the oil filter, correct? Use an open-ended wrench to remove the sender from the extension.
Removing the oil pan and pump is a LOT of work to go through, especially when you haven't verified anything and are relying only on what the stock gauges are telling you.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
From what i can see/tell there is no kind of extender...it looks like the sending unit is screwed directly into the block. ive tried getting a wrench on there and it doesnt seem to want to grip anything....
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Can you get a camera in there and post a pic?
