Low oil pressure

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 6, 2004 | 07:21 PM

jj292

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 353

Likes: 1

From: Saskatchewan, Canada

Low oil pressure

For about the past two months the oil pressure gauge on my truck will suddenly drop and the engine will die. The truck is an 89 F150 4x2 with a 302 and ADO with about 260,000KM (160,000miles) on it. The engine will be fine as long as it is idling in park or when it is moving, but if I slow to put it in reverse or go up the drive way it dies. But then I will not always happen either.

It does not leak any oil although it does burn some, but only about a quart a month. The oil pressure is good normally.

I am currently running 5w-30. Will switching to something thicker help?

Also it has recently developed a problem with starting. I make sure to "buzz" it and it used to start first try but now it almost consistently takes two tries. Never three. It developed this about the same time as the oil pressure thing.

My performance and gas mileage has not been affected as far as I can tell.

Any thoughts?

Thanx, JJ

Apr 6, 2004 | 09:47 PM

jj292

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 353

Likes: 1

From: Saskatchewan, Canada

I did some reading in other posts and though I should mention the fact that it does not knock when the pressure drops. Allso it seems fairly common that the gauge would read incorrectly. But since the engine dies there must be some underlying problem. IMHO.

JJ

Apr 6, 2004 | 10:18 PM

daerhldgs2

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 627

Likes: 1

seems that if the engine dies and the oil pressure drops simultaneously that you have an electrical problem - as you appear to already know the oil pressure guage is basicly and idiot light .

Apr 7, 2004 | 07:08 AM

Copper93

Junior User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 74

Likes: 0

From: Charlotte, NC

Have you check the fuel pump to make sure the pressure is in range. I had the same problem with a 90 bronco. The pump was working (buzzing) at start up but two impellers were broken off. It took would start but then die. It was a guarantee that the third try it would crank and run. Also check the IAC, it should control the idle coming off a open throttle to keep the engine running. Does the oil pressure drop could be related to the engine speed dropping suddenly.

Apr 7, 2004 | 10:58 AM

jomo924

Freshman User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 32

Likes: 0

i agree with copper........check fuel pump if its a tank unit i would replace it,,,,,,,,also for 10 bucks replace the fuel pump relay under the hood

Apr 7, 2004 | 12:35 PM

jj292

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 353

Likes: 1

From: Saskatchewan, Canada

I recently replaced the relay after a no start situation.

How can I test the fuel pressure to find if this is my problem?
Anything else I should look for?

Thanx, JJ