I have a 1994 econoline f-150, mark 4 conversion van 351 motor. The van was sitting for about a year. My brother in law just gave it to us, as our other van died. All fluid levels were fine. While driving back about 3 hours after receiving it.. it started knocking and oil pressure gauge indicated low pressure. We immediately stopped and took it to a station. They thought the oil uptake screen was clogged. Recommended to take oil pan off and clean...bill about $500.00 They recommended at least an engine flush... to get things cleaned out enough to make it back home.. about one more hours drive.

Well, we did the flush, after flush and about $100.00 spent, the condition improved... but the oil pressure would still drop on hills (while accelerating), but no knocking.

First, is this safe to drive this way... should we repair? Do you think we should just clean out oil pan, and screen, or replace oil pump entirely.

The engine has about 200k miles.

The vehicle is really in good shape and has been taken good care of. Just has been sitting for a while and I think maybe some sludge settled in oil pan and got things gummed up.

Are there any good ways to clean out sludge that might be done other than taking off oil pan and all that? Or any other advice you all might give?

Thank you.

Dave

Just want to add.. the oil pressure seems steady now... stays in about the middle.. maybe just a hair to the low side.. but when you accelerate... oil pressure bottoms out. Are there any oil additives to help dissolve the sludge etc? BTW.. the oil is fresh and clean now and shows no sign of sludge matter etc when checking oil.

 

Just a comment about the oil gauge.
It is not an oil gauge it is like a oil light and is feed from an off and on switch.
The same on/off switch they used with the oil light.
When the oil pressure is more than 6 PSI the needle will be in the center of its range and below 6 PSI the needle will be all the way to the low spot.