Fluctuating Oil Pressure
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2024
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Fluctuating Oil Pressure
In my 351 ive noticed my oil pressure fluctuates. some days its almost past the "R" in Normal, and then other days it will barely be touching the "O". It usually stays at where it is for the day so if its next to the R it stays there and wont go down to the O, and vice versa. I know the oil pressure gauge is like a dummy gauge so I'm sure its not actually fluctuating that much, but could there be a reason behind why it will go up and down like that? I use 6 quarts of 5W-30 synthetic blend motorcraft oil, as the owner manual says I should use. Could the cold weather be a factor too? I get anywhere from teens to low 40's where I live.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
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You won’t know what is actually happening until you put a mechanical gauge on it. I think you should be able to rent one from a parts store. I’m guessing you have a 90’s truck if it calls for synthetic blend oil
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2024
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the owners manual actually calls for conventional, but it says that its ok to use synthetic if it meets the specs. Seeing as engine oil has improved alot in the past almost 30 years I just assume that any oil now meets and passes the specs so I just use synthetic blend.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2024
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I agree but the pressure gauge definitely isnt that accurate. Really its just "good enough" so that you know if you lost oil pressure and can prevent engine damage. I had a 98 jeep cherokee and the gauge was very accurate. You could see it move fairly quickly when i went from idle to acceleration, and it even was numbered. I wish the gauge on my truck was like the jeep one.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
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I tend to agree but what are the odds of the oil pump failing? Most people like gauges, but they tend to only be looked at too late. I can tell you countless number of stories where people have overheated the engine to the point there was aluminum transfer on the cylinder walls. That is when they looked. No, I am not saying it was you. As far as I am concerned idiot likes and gauges work well together.
I put a larger fuel tank at the rear of my F250. The level gauge fluctuates way too much. I don't like it at all.
I put a larger fuel tank at the rear of my F250. The level gauge fluctuates way too much. I don't like it at all.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,830
Likes: 2,435
That’s because only the oil pressure gauge is a dummy gauge.
I agree but the pressure gauge definitely isnt that accurate. Really it’s just "good enough" so that you know if you lost oil pressure and can prevent engine damage. I had a 98 jeep cherokee and the gauge was very accurate. You could see it move fairly quickly when i went from idle to acceleration, and it even was numbered. I wish the gauge on my truck was like the jeep one.
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