Oil Pump Question

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Aug 25, 2004 | 05:11 PM

fordflaresides

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From: Tucson, AZ

Oil Pump Question

Is it possible for an oil pump to work sometimes but not other times? or is it like mechanical fuel pump, it either works at some capacity all the time or doesn't work at all.

Aug 25, 2004 | 08:04 PM

quicklook2

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From: Lakewood, Ohio

all the time. or not at all.

oil pump screen is probably blocked if it stats ok than goes down.

that was what mine needed.

Aug 26, 2004 | 06:20 AM

William

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From: Sun River St. George

Fluctuating oil pressure can be caused by a number of things. Dosn't matter which one, this problem needs to be fixed ASAP! Sticky oil pressure releif valve, clogged sump, loose sump, rounded drive gear, bad gage/sender and I am sure there are other possible causes. I'd get after this one quick!

Aug 26, 2004 | 02:52 PM

fordflaresides

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It gets good oil pressure 95% of the time, just sometimes after prolonged idle or a trip more than 80 miles it will drop quite a bit below normal.

Aug 26, 2004 | 07:17 PM

quicklook2

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gauge in dash is an idiot lite. you need to hook up a mechanical gauge. what year is truck?

Aug 27, 2004 | 12:41 AM

fordflaresides

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'78, the gauge in the dash fluctuates like mechanical gauge, it's not just a light but it is electrical and that's what I was thinking the problem might be that the sender or wiring is bad.

Aug 27, 2004 | 07:00 AM

William

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From: Sun River St. George

Hmmm! I don't think it's the gage! Your low oil pressure indication event is predictable therefore it cannot be generated by a random event. Why would prolonged idling or a trip of 80 miles generate a low oil pressure indication? Oil will heat after prolonged idle or a long drive and becomes less viscous (thinner). This thinning allows the oil to leak out of loose bearings. If you have no other adverse indicators, I'd switch to a 20W-30W multivis oil and try that. I don't think you have a problem.