2002 Ford Explorer oil pressure

How low does it get, and what type of noise are you hearing?

If it doesn't sound like a knock, it may just be a bad oil sending unit. What I recommend is checking the pressure with a mechanical gauge. Most parts stores will lend or rent them to you.

All you do is remove the electric one your car came with and screw the mechanical one in. It will give you a more accurate reading. If the pressure stays around 10PSI at an idle, you should be fine because chances are sending unit is bad. (Cheap part / easy to replace).

If, however, you feel it is a knocking from bearings or rattle from lifters collapsing from lack of oil pressure, then you may have a bad oil pump or partially plugged pick-up screen.

I have to be honest, when pumps go bad, they usually go all at once and not slowly unless the screen is plugged.

Let me know.

Joe