Oil Pressure Problem
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 96
Likes: 4
Oil Pressure Problem
Hi,
I have a 1994 Econoline with the 5.0 v8.
It has this annoying problem that, when the car is hot and at idle, the oil pressure gauge starts to bounce up and down violently.
I have replaced the oil pressure switch and the gauge, but with no effect.
I'm suspecting the oil pump to have an issue (?), or from what i read in other posts, that the oil pressure relief valve is bad.
At this point i don't know what to do though - also because replacing the oil pump is such a major task. So i thought i'd ask a couple of questions here:
1. is the bouncing gauge a matter that needs to be addressed, or is t his just a thing that these old vans do and ok not to worry about it too much.
2. where is the oil pressure relief valve located, and can that be replaced without dropping the oil pan?
3. If the pressure is a tad too low, can this be fixed by using a different oil or maybe use an oil additive?
4. how do i best handle this, where to start?
regards. Willem
I have a 1994 Econoline with the 5.0 v8.
It has this annoying problem that, when the car is hot and at idle, the oil pressure gauge starts to bounce up and down violently.
I have replaced the oil pressure switch and the gauge, but with no effect.
I'm suspecting the oil pump to have an issue (?), or from what i read in other posts, that the oil pressure relief valve is bad.
At this point i don't know what to do though - also because replacing the oil pump is such a major task. So i thought i'd ask a couple of questions here:
1. is the bouncing gauge a matter that needs to be addressed, or is t his just a thing that these old vans do and ok not to worry about it too much.
2. where is the oil pressure relief valve located, and can that be replaced without dropping the oil pan?
3. If the pressure is a tad too low, can this be fixed by using a different oil or maybe use an oil additive?
4. how do i best handle this, where to start?
regards. Willem
New User
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I don't have answers but I'm having similar issues with my 1984 e-150 5.0L. I noticed the oil pressure tends to read low, but usually stays on the "n" in "normal" on the gauge. I have only noticed my temperature gauge bouncing a few times after long hours on the road. I have a small oil leak, but it's unclear what the source is. Looks like its coming from connection on the neck of my filler tube.
I'd really like to know the answer to your same questions.
I'd really like to know the answer to your same questions.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
For oil pressure issues (real or imagined) I'd first determine exactly what pressure the engine is seeing rather than rely on some aged "gauge" reading. If I knew the engine had proper oil pressure I'd install a real electronic OP gauge where its sending unit would replace the factory-installed part.
Since you don't list your current mileage or whether you're using the instrument cluster OP "gauge" as your van came equipped with brand new.
Good luck with your issues----hope its NOT related to the actual engine oil pressure.
Since you don't list your current mileage or whether you're using the instrument cluster OP "gauge" as your van came equipped with brand new.
Good luck with your issues----hope its NOT related to the actual engine oil pressure.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 96
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Thanks!I will try and do just that.
Would you by any chance have experience with these:
https://www.technoversions.com/MeterMatch.html
It seems that a metermatch device can convert the signal so it fits the factory gauge.
regards. Willem
Would you by any chance have experience with these:
https://www.technoversions.com/MeterMatch.html
It seems that a metermatch device can convert the signal so it fits the factory gauge.
regards. Willem
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 286
From: Eastern TN
I think the point is to bypass the factory gauge for testing because of designed and unintended signal manipulation. The gauge circuit might be causing false readings..
Sixto
07 E350 5.4 176K miles
Sixto
07 E350 5.4 176K miles
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
The factory OP dash "gauge" and sending unit are the simple on/off type, its not a true pressure-reading system. The aftermarket tends to be the place to find an actual gauge and sender for most automotive pressure indications. The brand GlowShift is an okay product although I myself use Auto Meter with their DC stepper motors allowing the pressure sensor to be outside the cabin, The cheapest gauges are mechanical so you'll have engine oil under pressure inside the cabin---not an ideal situation.
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Cross-Country
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Would you happen to have a part number of one that fits the van? All i can come up with on the internet are the "Switch" type of senders
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Good gravy find one specified to fit your year van and engine, buy and install it.
The "switch" type are what Ford installed, when running just the instrument cluster "gauge" that's all that's required---anything else won't work.
The "switch" type are what Ford installed, when running just the instrument cluster "gauge" that's all that's required---anything else won't work.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,259
Likes: 438
From: IL
Just go get an oil pressure test kit, remove the oil sending unit attach the pressure gauge and hose assembly, start the van. It should read fairly high psi when cold but as the engine warms it should drop if you're actually having low oil pressure. If you have high miles on your engine, then more than likely you probably have engine sludge build up which clogs the oil pump screen...Honestly for the price of and oil pump and the few hours it'll take to install, I'd lift the engine, drop the pan and just do it...Hell, offer a buddy to come help and tell him you'll buy him beer and pizza, make a day of it.
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