Recently I wrote in about problems with my 1997 ford explorer... I have a loud knocking noise, coming from the upper right hand side of the engine... Well i put an oil pressure gauge on and found out I'm only getting between 10-12 lbs of pressure... I also notice that when it is cold the the oil pressure gauge in the truck won't even register until a few seconds after it starts... What should I look for to increase the oil pressure... Do I need to replace the oil pump?... Or has there been other problems with this motor that I should look at first? I had the timing chains and tensioners replaced, thinking that was the problem, cause of all the problems they had with those in the past, but there was no difference... Thanks

 

What were the rpm's when you got 10-12 psi? If it was at hot idle,then the pressure at idle is fine. Specs say the 40+ psi. at 2000 rpm.

When these motors loose oil pressure, it usually isn't the oil pump-- worn bearings are the likely cause.

Try thicker oil.