1999 Ford Explorer Oil pressure

UKMEX

MEMBER
1999 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

Engine was taken out to replace drive chains but after this and an hour of use, the oil pressure needle started to oscillate wildly and then dropped. There was a knocking noise from engine. Explorer was towed back to mechanics and they have taken engine out again and cleaned it up, replaced filter and oil but the needle continues to oscillate after the engine is run for an hour or so. The Explorer is still with the mechanics but I'm starting to despair of their ability to solve the problem. I live in Mexico and am not familiar with all the engine terminology, so I'd like to know possible solutions before I have it out with the mechanics - it's been nearly 3 weeks with them now.

3 Replies

RICKMAR

MECHANIC
170 POSTS

Hi ukmex,
Often when the oil pressure needle starts to oscillate wildly, that is a "definite indicator" of a bad oil pump or a possible faulty oil sender.
What I am concerned about is a knocking noise from engine. That to me sounds like "insufficient" oil supply.
These "clowns" have had your explorer for almost 3 weeks? !
To eliminate the oil pressures possible bad sender all they need to do is check it with there equipment. If they are receiving acceptable oil pressure, it is the sender. They should replace it and you will be all set. If the oil pressure reading is insufficient it is the oil pump. They should just drop the oil pan and replace the pump (one of the two. Plain and simple).

I am wondering about another thing. With "only" 80,000 miles ! Why did they pull the engine out to change the timing chain/chains.
If it "was" the chain/chains, why did they need to pull the engine !

Almost 3 weeks with it. What are they doing rebuilding the engine. Even that would not take long at all.
Something is not right there ukmex !
That is just my opinion.

Just for giggles, let me know what happened.
I hope you get your explorer back soon.

Good Luck;
Rick

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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 9:56 AM

UKMEX

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Rickmar; thanks very much for your reply. The drive chains were rattling and as one (apparently) is located at the rear of the engine, they had to drop it. The knocking sound came after the needle first started to act crazily and I assumed that oil was not circulating. I cannot imagine that the present problem was a mere coincidence and, as far as I'm concerned, they did something wrong when putting the engine back in. The oil pressure is normal for a while and then it starts to oscillate again. I'm assuming that they feel responsible for the problem, and as they're not going to earn anything from the wrok, then it's hardly a priority for them. Got to call the guy again today - if nothing has been resolved, then more drastic action might be required. Not high mileage I know, but it seems the previous owner wasn't very diligent with the oil changes and general maintenance. As you say, it seems the problem is with the pump. Thanks again.

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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 11:33 AM

RICKMAR

MECHANIC
170 POSTS

You're welcome ukmex;
It absolutely sounds like they are dragging their feet because they are not going to get paid for the repair.

I hope the start moving around and you get your explorer back and running fine !

Explorers are known to go a long, long way !
Easily 200,000+ miles.

Good Luck;
Rick

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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 11:52 AM