dcast812

Every time I start my truck its like the pump looses prime. It takes what seems to be a long time to build up pressure (10 sec +). I installed a gauge and it shows the same. Once it gets pressure it jumps right up to 65 psi cold or around 35 warm. My first 12v but I don't think its common feel free to let me know if am wrong. 1996 2500 117000 miles. thanks

BarryG

while I don't have an answer to your problem something that may be worth checking into since your gauge has been confirmed with an additional one is the regulator. I don't know for sure but fairly sure there is an oil pressure regulator in the filter housing head or underneath it. Perhaps it is sticking or slow to respond. Also could it be a bad drain back valve on the filter. Might be worth changing the filter to see if it is that.

saggonwaggon91

I have heard that the oil pump pick-up tube gasket is a weak point and will take a few seconds to reprime the oil pump

AlpineRAM

Second that- had the same problem on some excavators - If left untreated it will lead to aeration of the engine oil and to damage.

dcast812

Darn and I bet you can't fix without pulling the engine?

AlpineRAM

If you are so inclined there is no need to pull the engine. (But you will need a set of small hands to do it)

You can usually lift the engine in it's mounts a good bit, and remove the oil pan bolts- drop the oil pan the 1-2" you have, reach in with a wrench and remove the 2 bolts that hold the pickup tube- let it drop into the oil pan and pull the pan out towards the rear. Install the new gasket with a very small dab of sealant smeared across the whole surface of the gasket as a glue, take care that you do mount the gasket correctly (use the bolts to align it), slide cleaned oil pan with pickup tube inside it back in position again, fish up pickup tube and fasten. Apply bead of sealer on oil pan and bolt it up.
Prepare for a lot of swearing and cursing due to dropped parts, crud falling in your ears and hitting your body parts on sharp parts.
After finishing the job without a lift you can pursue a carreer as a contortionist, so see it as an opportunity