94 4.0L Erratic Oil Pressure
#1
94 4.0L Erratic Oil Pressure
I just recently purchased my first Ford Ranger, don't stone me but I am more of a Dakota guy. I couldn't beat the deal on this one though and I bought it from the original owner. It's a 1994 extended cab 4x4 with a 4.0L, automatic.
Whats happening is I am getting erratic oil pressure readings from the gauge on the dash. Most days the gauge goes up to in between the M and the A in Normal and stays there, whether I'm driving 70 down the interstate or sitting idling at a stop light. Other days it starts off there and within 15-20 minutes it drops to between the O and the R and that is where it stays. Other times when you start it it goes no further then between the N and the O and stay there for about 10-15 minutes then pops up to the usual position. The reverse is also true some days it starts off there it should and drops way down. I have changed the oil in the truck since purchasing it. I have also looked over the oil sending unit for a loose connection or weeping oil, all appears well there. The cold seems to effect it some but I haven't been able to catch it every time to say for sure. Could it be the gauge in the dash itself causing problems? The sending unit on the engine is only $9.00 bucks but I don't want to mess with it if I don't have to because like I stated before its cold out and I hate working out in it! Thanks for your time!
Whats happening is I am getting erratic oil pressure readings from the gauge on the dash. Most days the gauge goes up to in between the M and the A in Normal and stays there, whether I'm driving 70 down the interstate or sitting idling at a stop light. Other days it starts off there and within 15-20 minutes it drops to between the O and the R and that is where it stays. Other times when you start it it goes no further then between the N and the O and stay there for about 10-15 minutes then pops up to the usual position. The reverse is also true some days it starts off there it should and drops way down. I have changed the oil in the truck since purchasing it. I have also looked over the oil sending unit for a loose connection or weeping oil, all appears well there. The cold seems to effect it some but I haven't been able to catch it every time to say for sure. Could it be the gauge in the dash itself causing problems? The sending unit on the engine is only $9.00 bucks but I don't want to mess with it if I don't have to because like I stated before its cold out and I hate working out in it! Thanks for your time!
#2
If it's too cold to work on take it to a decent mechanic and have them put a mechanical gauge on it and get a real reading. It could be the sending unit that's giving you the odd readings. Also, at one time back in the dark ages, Ford had a 'constant voltage regulator' in the dash could also cause 'wandering' readings on an oil pressure gauge.
Do the simple things first before tearing into things like the oil pump.
Do the simple things first before tearing into things like the oil pump.
#3
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