I have roughly 30k on a reman engine, and for the past couple years only drive the truck once a month or less.

I was using it the other day for a run to the landfill, and got an oil light on the way out of my subdivision. I stopped right away at a corner gas station, and the oil was a quart low. I topped it off, the light went out, and I continued on to the landfill. While going about 55 mph, the light came on again momentarily and then went off. I've since been to the landfill again and made a couple other trips around town, perhaps 30 mi worth, and have not seen the light again.

I know these oil pressure senders are like 10 bucks at the local parts stores, but before I risk seizing up the engine I plan on pulling the sender and hooking up an actual guage to verify pressure. If I'm not mistaken, these senders are known to have a wide tolerance for when they come on.

Gut feeling is it is the sender and not the pump or bearings, but I wanted to bounce this off the crowd before I get myself in trouble. Only other thing I can think is it may have a clogged pickup screen, but that is also unlikely, as I change the oil regularly to avoid sludge issues.

I have no problem swapping out the sender or the pump, but if it is low pressure because of the bearings, I'm not too keen about doing this engine again, I'd rather opt for an EFI 351W and an AOD.

 

I'd put a mechanical gage on it and see where your at.

 

If it comes on at odd times, I'd pull the pan to see if there's something blocking the pickup screen.

 

yes. wear would show up with typical signs, like light flashing when you do a hot start after the engine heat soaks for a few minutes, or when idling at a light in gear with the engine hot.

If your at cruise and indeed your pressure drops in a quick spike for the light to come on, then you have an issue with the pump or screen.

Put a mechanical gauge on there and watch it like a hawk.

 

Mechanical gauge to verify the problem. If it's really low you might try a thicker oil.