Topic: Oil Pump tests

[BLACKDOG]

Ok, my '91 3.0   decided to start showing lower and lower oil pressure on the guage in the dash. Guage looks kind of like this  [  I  I  ]  pressure is usually between the middle lines, toward the top end.  Recently, when I'm sitting at a light, the needle will drop down to the lower middle line, and even a little past it  under load, it'll move back up to the middle of the guage.  It'll usually fluctuate at idle a little in the past, but recently its started dropping to what I think is too low.  I'm really hoping the oil pump is not going out, because that entails tearing the front of the motor down past the timing belt.  Does anyone have an suggestions to test whether the pump is going bad, other than tearing it apart?    I;m gonna check a few things the FSM says to check (strainer in the pan, etc.)  but other than that, I guess I get to tear it down?  Oil is full, new oil, new filter, so that isn't the problem

[79coyotefrg]

Jason   we need to find you a 3.4  and just be done with it 

[Duffil]

can you put a manual (mechanical) gauge on the engine to verify whether or not the gauge is going poo?

[*ROKTOY*]

What weight oil are you using? Could be the hotter than usual weather causing the oil to thin out.

[79coyotefrg]

iagree,  in 100* weather i ALWAYS use 20-50 castrol

[lilbuddy]

iagree,  in 100* weather i ALWAYS use 20-50 castrol

Same here...


And I agree with the hotter weather thinning out the oil. On mine it did the same thing. It just reads really low and im even running 20-50

[Plowking]

I would go for the mechanical gauge as Duffil stated to many variences in older vehicles with electrical components. Mechanical gauge is a must and most likely your savior.
Good luck

[BLACKDOG [OP]]

can you put a manual (mechanical) gauge on the engine to verify whether or not the gauge is going poo?

That is one of the first things I'm going to try this weekend.

iagree,  in 100* weather i ALWAYS use 20-50 castrol

Same here...


And I agree with the hotter weather thinning out the oil. On mine it did the same thing. It just reads really low and im even running 20-50

x3.  I've been running 20-50 in my truck for  long time.  I drove it quite a bit today, and I'm kind of thinking that is what it is.  When I first start up, and drive, its fine, stays right in the middle, even at idle.  After the engine gets hot, it drops.  I'm betting that is exactly what it is.  If I check it with a mech guage and its good, then I'll be happy

thanks guys

[Wermz84]

**Revive**

I wish to test my pump and Guage on my 22r to see if they are working correctly.   The FSM talks about putting a pressure guage on the sending unit.  Not sure if that is mechanical or not.  I'm going to try at my local auto parts store to find one of these.  Any tips on this guys?

[lilbuddy]

**Revive**

I wish to test my pump and Guage on my 22r to see if they are working correctly.   The FSM talks about putting a pressure guage on the sending unit.  Not sure if that is mechanical or not.  I'm going to try at my local auto parts store to find one of these.  Any tips on this guys?

Just go purchase a mechanical oil pressure gauge. You can pick up an Eqqus brand mechanical oil pressure gauge at Napa for about $19.99, maybe even cheaper. Make sure to also purchase an adapter for a metric fitting in case the one you buy doesnt come with one (most are standard)

[MiniSimp]

Ok, my '91 3.0

Stop right there, I found the problem....