Oil pressure sender?

Have you tested the engine oil pressure?
The pressure is tested when running using an electrical sending unit. Either that, its wire, or your engine may be losing pressure. Is the oil level ok?

After doing some internet research, I found a re-ocurring theme. "Loss of oil pressure due to oil sludge". Therefore, I decided to backtrack and start with the oil. The oil was about 1/2 quart low and dirty. I added engine flush to the oil and let it run 10 minutes. Hoping to loosen up a possibe obstuction in the oil pump pressure relief valve or sludge accumulation on the pick up screen. Next, I completed an oil change, spending a few extra dollars for a Mobile 1 oil filter. Took the truck out for a test drive and the oil pressure seemed to stabilize; that is, the oil pressure stiopped dropping to "0". After warming up the engine, the oil pressure at idle was 40 psi and the pressure under load was 60 to 70 psi.
I have to admit that I did not test the oil pump pressure (do not have a mechanical oil pressure quage, although, I did find one at NAPA for 20 dollars). Tested the harness wiring athe the switch and found 1.2 ohms (continuity) on the sensor ground wire and.0035 volts on the power side (from the ECM). Engine switched on, but, not running. I have a suspicion that the pressure is still too high and anticipate bearing or seal problems in the future.

I'm glad you cleared it up and hope its ok for you.

Engine Mechanical problem
2000 Dodge Dakota 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

would like to know where the oil sending unit and oil pump is located

I believe the sending unit is near the oil filter (above it). The oil pump is in the oil pan.

What problem are you having?

Where is the oil sending unit located on this engine. Do you have a diagram you can forward? My owner's manual shows location of every engine component EXCEPT this one!

The oil pressure sender is at the top rear of engine near distributor. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

I was having issues with fluctuating oil pressure. Sometimes gauge would read normal for days then it would get to where it reads low even at highway speed. Oil level was fine and I wasn't getting any of the racket one would expect from true low pressure. I changed the oil pressure sending unit and now it is showing zero with check gauges light on but no clattering or knocking still.

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If you are concerned about the pressure, you can rent a mechanical gauge which screws right in where the electric oil sender is located. That way you can confirm there isn't an issue with pressure.

However, I have a feeling the wire which attached to the sending unit. Disconnect the plug to the sensor and confirm the wiring isn't bad and the connector is not damaged or moved. Also, have a helper sit in the truck while it's running while you wiggle the wire to see if the gauge reacts.

I have also seen aftermarket sending units that are bad out of the box.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Thanks Joe, I'll give that a try and let you know.

No problem. Glad to help. Let me know what you find.

Joe

My v8 has recently been having oil pressure issues when im slowing down under about 1000rpm or when I start it normally the oil pressure gauge drops to zero and the light comes on, ive changed the oil pressure sensor because it was leaking but I still have the light and gauge problems and I believe another sensor is leaking oil near my transmission?

This oil pressure sensor that you've replaced is it on the rear of the intake manifold near the distributor if it is-That's the oil pressure switch are you using a mechanical gauge to read the oil pressure or the gauge itself-let me know-No or low oil pressure points to the oil pump and engine bearings-

What weight oil ya runnin? If pressure IS actually low, try 20/50 or 10/30 with a stabilizer like LUCAS. Stabilizer I s great for ANY weight oil though. Can even slow/stop small leaks. Or do the right thing and replace worn parts.

Rasmataz- yes its the one next to the distributor and no just the gauge in the dash. Fixitmr-normally ran 5/30 until problem began then moved up to 10/30, but yes ive heard a couple recommendations on lucas I just wasnt sure what I should do.

So get a mechanical reading and if OK try replacing sender before tearing into motor. If sender is leaking it's likely out of spec anyway.

Ok ill try that, but I found out it was leaking because it broke in half, but thank you for the help, ill give it a shot.

1991 dodge dakota, V8, 318, 194867. Oil pressure is normal when the engine is cold. When the engine warms to normal running temp the oil pressure drops to the L and th engine oil light starts flickering on and off. I have already repalced the oil pressure sending unit. The oil has remained at the safe mark on the dipstick. The oil is new 10w-30. I switched from 5w-30 about a month ago when the problem first started, but no real change. Any thoughts or suggestions?

IDK, sounds like the oil pumper is givng up/sludged up pick-up screen or we have excessive bearing clearances open it up and inspect -time for rebulid.

Shedworld has a 1991 Dodge Ramcharger with the 318cid V8. IDK describes exactly the same symptoms I am having with my oil pressure. I was hoping not to have to drop the oil pan and replace the pump, but razmataz's answer is very logical and what I didn't want to hear, so it seems dropping the pan is unavoidable.