Notices
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) Diesel Topics Only

No oil pressure

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 09:40 PM
  #1  
southtexasidi's Avatar
southtexasidi
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
No oil pressure

Last week I finally put a real oil pressure gauge in my truck. My old gauge used to read pretty low but it was in The "normal", whatever that means. The new gauge reads 35 cold idle, and can see up to 45-50 psi accelerating cold. When I get the truck on the highway I see 20 psi at 70 mph...now this is where it gets scary, when I hit traffic and stop it drops to usually 5-10 psi. I figured this was ok, because the truck runs fine, and apparently iv been running it like this for awhile, I just didn't know because of the crappy ford gauge.

So now a week later, I drove to work and saw normal oil pressure, no problems. On my way home oil pressure was good. Until I looked up an saw that my oil pressure dropped to 3-4 psi cruising at 70 mph. Holy ***** right?? So, is there some kind of pressure relief valve that I don't know about? I just don't think it's the oil pump because of the sudden drop, like a valve is stuck open or something. If I let the truck cool, an fire it up it'll be normal again until it gets hot

If there are any ways to raise my oil pressure please let me know. I have to drive this truck to Oklahoma Monday for college...so yeah I'm in a bind
 
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 09:42 PM
  #2  
Macrobb's Avatar
Macrobb
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 7
Throw some Lucas in there. I find it raises the oil pressure signifigantly.
Also, if you're too low on oil(as in, significantly below the min-mark), you get this too - it'll start fine, but after pumping a lot more oil into the channels, it'll (likely) start sucking air and have really low oil pressure. I now check my oil level more often.<_<
 
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 09:46 PM
  #3  
southtexasidi's Avatar
southtexasidi
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
I actually bought a bottle of Lucas today on the way home. The oil is full all the way to the top if the hash marks, ill have to drain a quart or so to put the Lucas in. Glad to hear I actually works lol
 
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 09:47 PM
  #4  
hairyboxnoogle's Avatar
hairyboxnoogle
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,944
Likes: 13
There is a relief valve built into the pump, slim possibility youve lost one or some of the piston squirters, that can cause bad oil pressure.
 
Reply
Old Aug 28, 2013 | 11:38 PM
  #5  
Dark Horse's Avatar
Dark Horse
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
Check this thread:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...fications.html

some of your pressures seam a little low if you want more info just Google 7.3 IDI Oil Pressure 10 PSI at warm idle is about what it should be.

Mark
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 12:55 AM
  #6  
racer30's Avatar
racer30
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 6
From: western Oregon
There is a mod to increase oil pressure. It will require you to pull your Cooler off to reach the oil pressure regulator in the filter head end of the cooler. You will need to remove the regulator and shim it about .035 to .070 to raise the hot pressure. If you are going to pull off the cooler you might as well replace the O rings when you have it off.. After the mod you will pick up 10 to 20 psi over what you have now. If you have a lot of miles on this engine I would go with .070.... I went with .034 and I have new bearings throughout and I have 25 to 30 Hot...
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 02:17 AM
  #7  
joshofalltrades's Avatar
joshofalltrades
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 1
i once had a ford 300 that had a problem in the oil pump relief valve, pressure would drop out suddenly and randomly. i don't think thats what your problem is here.

i would guess your oil is a little too thin for the temps around you. we all know that hotter oil is thinner than cold oil, and thus produces less pressure. adding the lucas, or changing your oil from 15w40 to 20w50 would raise the pressure enough to do the trick with no mods at all.

my personal preference is to add an oil pressure idiot light to supplement my gage, so i can't help but notice if i am low on pressure. yes, i know most people do the exact opposite.
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 04:34 AM
  #8  
Ford F834's Avatar
Ford F834
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,554
Likes: 7
From: Northern Arizona
Originally Posted by joshofalltrades
my personal preference is to add an oil pressure idiot light to supplement my gage, so i can't help but notice if i am low on pressure. yes, i know most people do the exact opposite.
I wish I had done that... and maybe a loud siren as well. Maybe I wouldn't need a rebuild right now if I had (done that). I still can't get over the irony that it was my pressure gage feed tube that lead to the ruin of the engine in the first place. $2,000 lesson learned...
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 05:17 AM
  #9  
southtexasidi's Avatar
southtexasidi
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
Got it good and hot this mornin, pressures normal until I got about 20 miles down the road. It fell on its face again. This time I see 1-2 idle psi. Shut the truck down just to be safe. I am gonna try Lucas when the truck cools off. I had to try to get to work this mornin, otherwise wouldn't have drive the truck
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 06:38 AM
  #10  
southtexasidi's Avatar
southtexasidi
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
Got it good and hot this mornin, pressures normal until I got about 20 miles down the road. It fell on its face again. This time I see 1-2 idle psi. Shut the truck down just to be safe. I am gonna try Lucas when the truck cools off. I had to try to get to work this mornin, otherwise wouldn't have drive the truck
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 11:36 AM
  #11  
Red454sedgwick's Avatar
Red454sedgwick
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 0
How much lucas did you get? I use a gallon at a time on my worn motors.
I've seen many guys, just throw in a quart and say it didn't help, read the bottle.
When was the last time you changed your oil filter and what brand did you use?
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 01:54 PM
  #12  
joshofalltrades's Avatar
joshofalltrades
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Ford F834
I wish I had done that... and maybe a loud siren as well. Maybe I wouldn't need a rebuild right now if I had (done that). I still can't get over the irony that it was my pressure gage feed tube that lead to the ruin of the engine in the first place. $2,000 lesson learned...
a light is enough. i've saved a few engines with one - and one was a gage pressure tube just like yours. man, that sucks!
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 07:22 PM
  #13  
southtexasidi's Avatar
southtexasidi
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Red454sedgwick
How much lucas did you get? I use a gallon at a time on my worn motors.
I've seen many guys, just throw in a quart and say it didn't help, read the bottle.
When was the last time you changed your oil filter and what brand did you use?
I changed the oil with a motorcraft filter and rotella 15w40 392 miles ago. Changed it when I put the gauge in. I only bought a quart, maybe I oughta go buy another bottle
 
Reply
Old Aug 29, 2013 | 08:08 PM
  #14  
shorerider16's Avatar
shorerider16
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: Agassiz, BC Canada
Oersonally I would try verifying the oil pressure with another gauge before panicking too much,preferably a mechanical one. It could be the gauge, sender, wiring or a bad ground throwing off the readings.
 
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2013 | 12:03 AM
  #15  
mechelement's Avatar
mechelement
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
I wouldn't put Lucas motor oil additive in my motor that blows oil like a champ. Nor would I recommend doing so to yours.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:23 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE