Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Dodge Dakota V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 51000 miles

My truck is in great condition and has regular maintenace i.e. oil changes, etc. Recently the check gauges light came on then oil pressure drop to 0, then knocking noise. I quickly turned it off. Then had at garge for repair which they were unable to reproduce so on my way home from picking it up the same thing happend except this time I had 8 miles to go when it occured. I ran the truck with knocking noise about 5 miles at low speed. It now is in the shop they were able to reproduce the problem after letting it set for sometime running. They are insisting I need a new engine because of the knocking noise with pressure drops. Can I just replace the oil pump and as long as the pressure is fine it will be okay? When it is running and oil pressure is good there is no knocking per the mechanic. We are talking 900.00 vs. 6400.00 so just want to make sure I do need an engine or can get away with pump replacement. Thanks for the hlep!

Get the oil pressure check to be sure its the oil pump-could be the oil pump pressure relief valve is sticking-If its an engine beaing problem the pressure won't be good and you'll be hearing knocking noise

The dodge mechanic said he feels it is the oil pump. My question was the short distance I travled enough to warrant a new engine or will replacing the oil pump resolve the issue? Truck seems to operate fine i.e. no knocking when pressure is good.

Thanks.

The oil pressure don't just come and go in your case there's a problem, have it pressure check to determine if its oil pump or engine bearings-This will decide whether you need a rebuild or a new one whatever the case maybe.