4.6 oil pressure problem
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Sandy Springs, GA
4.6 oil pressure problem
I have a one owner 51,XXX mile 1997 F150 4.6 SC. I was recently returning from a race in Charlotte on I-85 while pulling a trailer and the oil pressure guage dropped to almost zero with the warning light also coming on. I immedately pulled over. It returned to normal before I could stop. When I returned to the shop, I checked the sending unit and connection (it checked OK) I changed the oil and filter (as I have every 2,000 miles). It continued to show good pressure until 1000 miles later when it did it again (w/o a trailer).
It seems to be a sender or pump problem. I assume the guage is OK since the guage and light works at the same time. Anyone have a suggestion??
Thanks..
It seems to be a sender or pump problem. I assume the guage is OK since the guage and light works at the same time. Anyone have a suggestion??
Thanks..
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
4.6 oil pressure problem
I would change the sending unit first. Keep in mind, that this is
an "idiot light" type of oil pressure gauge, and the sending unit
is just a switch that closes with about 7PSI of oil pressure....
The gauge will then read about 1/2 scale, and will not show any
fluctuations in oil pressure....
an "idiot light" type of oil pressure gauge, and the sending unit
is just a switch that closes with about 7PSI of oil pressure....
The gauge will then read about 1/2 scale, and will not show any
fluctuations in oil pressure....
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Sandy Springs, GA
4.6 oil pressure problem
Is the warning light and oil pressure guage running off that same sender that is located next to the oil filter?? I hooked up an oil pressure guage to the motor and it gave a OK reading, but the guages in the cab were also giving me a good reading at the time. Anyone heard of oil pump problems in mod motors?? (I dread the thought of changing it).
Thanks..
Thanks..
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
4.6 oil pressure problem
Not really. It sounds like an electrical problem. Like noted before, the gauge isn't really a gauge. As long as there is enough pressure to keep the light off, the gauge will read around 1/2 way up. There is a resistor in the line to make it do so. Yes they use the same sending unit.
I am curious as to if you are getting some kind of feedback from your trailer since it only happens when towing. Makee sure that you have a good dedicated ground for the trailer.
Jimmy
I am curious as to if you are getting some kind of feedback from your trailer since it only happens when towing. Makee sure that you have a good dedicated ground for the trailer.
Jimmy
