Oil pressure gauge, is this normal behavior?
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New User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Oil pressure gauge, is this normal behavior?
OK I see this posted before but not clear. I redid the oil pan gasket in the truck (1988 f-250 300) and I have been noticing that the pressure gauge starts at about 1/3 the way up when its cold then drops to just inside the normal range after about 20 mins driving..
The truck runs great, no leakage, no smoke, etc. should I be concerned about this at all? how hard is it to install an aftermarket oil pressure gauge?
The truck runs great, no leakage, no smoke, etc. should I be concerned about this at all? how hard is it to install an aftermarket oil pressure gauge?
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2000
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Before I put an aftermarket gauge on the truck, I would try screwing a regular mechanical gauge into the oil pressure sensor port, and getting a direct reading. It sounds like your bearings are getting worn, and you're loosing oil pressure as everything warms up, and the clearances increase. If you find that you have correct oil pressure, then I would try a new sending unit.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Installing an aftermarket gauge is easy and recommended. The factory oil pressure gauge isn't a gauge at all. It's a cleverly disguised idiot light. As long as the pressure is over 6 or 8 PSI, the gauge reads halfway up. If it's moving around, then you have a loose connection causing it.
The aftermarket gauge is the only way you'll know the actual oil pressure you're running.
Once the engine warms up, the oil thins out and passes through the bearings easier. You'll see this on all engines, even new ones.
The aftermarket gauge is the only way you'll know the actual oil pressure you're running.
Once the engine warms up, the oil thins out and passes through the bearings easier. You'll see this on all engines, even new ones.
