CaptainJoe87 Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 I've tried searching but am having little luck because all I have to use is my cellphone. I have a 1980 s130 Yesterday while on a short road trip my oil pressure started going nuts. The oil pressure would dip really hard then jerkingly shoot back up to normal and sometimes past the half way point. It even zeroed out a couple times and I shut the car off. Strange thing is the light never comes on. Oil level is good. Sometimes it jumps up when I rev it sometimes it doesn't or dips. Does that sound like a bad pump, bad sensor, bad gauge? I've had it parked in the same spot last night and don't show any signs of a leak. My secondary issue right now.is a lack of tools and work space. If anyone has had this issue and knows how to fix it, please share and thanks in advance. I've gotta hit the road around noon time tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Most likely a bad electrical ground on the gauge. But is can also be a broken oil pump shaft, loose pickup tube, worn out oil, a clogged pickup, low oil level, wrong viscocitu... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainJoe87 Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 Thanks for the quick reply John. Engine temp was fine the whole ride up, no stuttering or hesitation in the engine. Are there any other things I should be looking or listening for on my drive back? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainJoe87 Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 When I get home my first plan is to change the oil and see how it looks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sideways Posted July 21, 2013 Share Posted July 21, 2013 (edited) Im pretty inclined to agree with John (Big surprise!) on this one. Everytime Ive experienced this with any of my cars its been a faulty connector on the oil pressure sender, so I'd start there. It strongly sounds electrical in nature. But like stated, it COULD be something dicky mechanical. It doesnt sound like worn out bearing, the oil pressure would be bad and stay bad (99% of the time, anyways)- But the possibility of something up with pump or pick up exists, even though Im inclined to think its less likely. Start with the electrical/gauges and go from there.As for things to watch out for? Odd taping/knocking noises- Especially (but not limited to) ones coming from the block. If you hear this noise the damage is done, but if you catch it here and stop running the engine you decrease your chances of adding an optional crankcase ventilation on demand system. Check those connectors- If that doesnt solve it, try and locate an aftermarket oil pressure gauge (maybe a friend will have one if youre lucky?) and go from there. Edited July 21, 2013 by Sideways Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainJoe87 Posted July 21, 2013 Author Share Posted July 21, 2013 If it is something like a clogged pickup or something of that nature, would running something through like seafoam help with that, or does it need to be taken apart? I've never used that stuff but a friend of mine said it was used to clean out engines and works really well. I have always been hesitant to add anything like that to my car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beermanpete Posted July 21, 2013 Share Posted July 21, 2013 It sounds electrical to me as well. If you do not find a problem with the wiring quickly use a test gauge to verify the actual oil pressure. Your local auto parts store may have a test gauge for rent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainJoe87 Posted July 21, 2013 Author Share Posted July 21, 2013 Yea, the more people I talk to and the more I mess with it, it seems to be the sensor. I'm just going to order a new one and replace it before I do any unnecessary driving and see what happens from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainJoe87 Posted July 21, 2013 Author Share Posted July 21, 2013 Thanks for all the insight guys, its really appreciated. I was freaking out a bit on the way up and shutting the engine off when it dipped like that on the ride up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sideways Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 Thanks for all the insight guys, its really appreciated. I was freaking out a bit on the way up and shutting the engine off when it dipped like that on the ride up. A very appropriate response, for the record haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainJoe87 Posted July 23, 2013 Author Share Posted July 23, 2013 Hahaha It was the pressure switch! So happy it was something simple and cheap. Thanks again everyone for the advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluDestiny Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Cheap? i remember paying like $50-60 for mine several years back. It was the oem piece though, not an autozone brand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainJoe87 Posted July 25, 2013 Author Share Posted July 25, 2013 $34 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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