2001 Ford F-150 Trouble with oil pressure

Tiny
WAGS21999
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 84,000 MILES
My pickup has trouble maintaining the oil pressure at low idle upon startup. When I start the vehicle it pressure gauge will go to a normal level and then fall and the light will come on. If I give it some gas, it normally goes to a normal level and may rise and fall several times. After driving it a few miles, the pressure maintains itself at a normal level for the rest of my drive. This happened a few months ago and then left after a week or so. I have since changed the oil and filter and the problem has resurfaced. Any comments or help would be appreciated.
Thursday, October 29th, 2009 AT 4:24 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
If this does clear up eventually, then replace the oil sending unit, this could be either defective, or partially clogged. You can also rent a test gauge at autozone, and when you remove the sender, screw the test gauge into the hole, start the truck and observe the gauge. Gennerally you want 10 psi at idle and 10 psi per thousand RPM. If you still get low pressure that clears up, the screen on the pickup tube on the pump could be clogged.
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Thursday, October 29th, 2009 AT 4:30 PM

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