2000 Dodge Dakota Oil Pressure Guage

ACJCCP

MEMBER
2000 DODGE DAKOTA
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
12,000 MILES

What is the normal oil pressure fluctuation of an engine? Without specific numbers, is the pressure supposed to increase as the engine RPM increases? Falls back to a minimum on idling?

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 AT 11:25 AM

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

At an idle, it shouldn't go below 10 PSI. I would say it shouldn't exceed 80 PSI. Also, it is normal for it to drop lower at an idle. How low is yours getting? Are you hearing any ticking or knocking from the engine?

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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 AT 10:27 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

At an idle, it shouldn't go below 10 PSI. I would say it shouldn't exceed 80 PSI. Also, it is normal for it to drop lower at an idle. How low is yours getting? Are you hearing any ticking or knocking from the engine?

Finally, keep in mind, if you are not hearing any noise from the engine, it could be something as simple as the oil sending unit which is an inexpensive part that sends the signal to the gauge as to how much pressure there is. It isn't uncommon for them to go bad.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe

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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 AT 10:29 PM

ACJCCP

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks Joe! No unusual sounds or performance, just noticed the oil pressure guage changing with RPM. It may have been doing this all along and I just noticed. Getting conscious of my engine's mileage, 120K, and just over sensitive. Don't know the exact pressure, reading off the car's dash guage. Really appreciate your help.

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Thursday, June 24th, 2010 AT 6:09 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

I'm glad to help. Honestly, I have an older Dakota with 220K on it. It's the V6 and runs every day. If you keep your oil changed and filters clean, that engine should run to 300K. The only weakness with the truck is the transmission.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Friday, June 25th, 2010 AT 12:52 AM