When i'm driving, and i stop at a light or sign, the oil gauge goes ballistic, and flickers back and forth so hard it seems like itll break! it used to only do it a little, but today, it just went all OUT and nonstop. and the engine, (3.0 L 2001 ranger XLT 4dr) is super rattly & sounds like its definantly working harder than normal. but the oil is full and clean, i'm not sure what kind, i just got the damn thing 2 months ago. been running great! i read multiple threads on here about it being low oil pressure? but i dont know. any help is greatly appreciated!

thanks!

 

If it was just your gauge acting up i would say its a bad gauge. However if your engine seems to be working harder than normal it def sounds like your oil pump is going out. Full clean oil is a plus but if it not pumping that dont matter. Take it to a shop and have them check your oil pressure. They will know how to test it. Or simpler yet, replace your oil pump. How many miles?

 

DON'T drive it until you pull the cam syncronizer !!
That is a classic symptom of the drive gear on it going (gone) bad. If it goes completely you will lose all oil pressure.

 

It has around 178k. it def isn't just the gauge or the engine wouldn't sound how it does. I'll see about taking it sometime this week .. Thanks!

 

Use the search button for cam syncro. There are many threads about it.
Don't even start the engine until you pull it out and check the gear. This is the main drive for the oil pump.
If you run it any more you risk losing the engine.

 

I had no choice but to drive it yesterday, or i would have been fired. I def. feel like it's the oil pump, cause now the engine sounds like its about to lock up forever. i have another car to use for now, but i had no choice yesterday. i just moved here, and i'll have to ask around to find a good place to take it, i'm not very good at this stuff.

 

It's $200 now for a cam sync or $2000 for another engine . Your choice.
It may already be FUBAR'd.

 

Good luck bud, i def wouldnt drive it anymore. Once you damage it so far there aint no going back. Let us know how you make out bud.

 

It turns out it shot a rod. Getting a new engine put in now. I think the oil pump went bad, cause even though the dipstick said it was full, obivously it wasn't getting to the engine. Theres 4000 dollars down the drain. Should get it back at the end of this week!

 

Sorry to hear that bud! At least now you shouldnt have any issues with your engine for awhile.

 

im going to put money on it that you spun the rod bearings because you drove the truck with a bad cam synchro. i hate to say it but you should have taken a cab to work

 

Agreed ^