1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

oil pressure

Old Jun 4, 2008 | 10:48 AM
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From: sellersville pa
oil pressure

whats the normal operation range on the gauge for your oil pressure? mine used to be on the upper part of the gauge around the second or third line, and now it will either sit on or just barely past the first line. i need an oil change soon and i think my crank case tubes clogged so im going to blow that out as well. am i in trouble or is this normal???
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 01:10 PM
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The pressure sending unit (and gauge) is a known problem on these engines. Best to check your pressure with a "good" mechanical gauge before you get too excited. It the pressure is good, then replace the sending unit.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 01:26 PM
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...also note that if your at the end of your oil change interval you could have some fuel dilution issues as well which 'thin out' the oil and lower the pressure.
just a thought to consider.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 05:48 PM
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Sending unit.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 07:59 PM
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On a guage what are the operating psi ranges at idle and load?
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Old Jun 5, 2008 | 04:46 AM
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Even with a new/good sending unit, my stock guage reads on the low side. esspecially at idle however, I installed an aftermarket guage to ease my mind. At op. temp and idle I get 25 psi, highway speed is 55-60psi
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 08:04 AM
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ok, this thread was as close to answering my question but.................
on the 2nd gen at idle after complete warm up, is it normal for the factory oil gauge to register between 0-40? Under normal hwy driving it's right in the middle @ 40psi or slightly greater. The reason I ask is that I just installed an oil bypass system and want to make sure "too much isn't going thru the bypass" thus causing low oil psi for the engine. No CEL or low oil warning lights. thanks.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 08:08 AM
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mine rocks about 20 at idle warm 18ish maybe. and 70 when its cold prolly more in the winter. 50-60 at wot
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 08:09 AM
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Originally Posted by high bid
ok, this thread was as close to answering my question but.................
on the 2nd gen at idle after complete warm up, is it normal for the factory oil gauge to register between 0-40? Under normal hwy driving it's right in the middle @ 40psi or slightly greater. The reason I ask is that I just installed an oil bypass system and want to make sure "too much isn't going thru the bypass" thus causing low oil psi for the engine. No CEL or low oil warning lights. thanks.
I think that the gauges on the 2nd gens are just fancy idiot lights and not real accurate. For piece of mind, I would consider installing a real gauge.

My .02
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 11:17 AM
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yes, I agree, but I'm kind of at the point of gauge overload. I'm just trying to get an idea or range of sufficient oil psi operation and make sure the oil bypass is not "bypassing" too much thus filling the upper head w/oil. thanks for the info.
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Old Jul 30, 2008 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by ofcmarc
I think that the gauges on the 2nd gens are just fancy idiot lights and not real accurate. For piece of mind, I would consider installing a real gauge.

My .02
That is correct. They move according to RPM as long as the sensor is showing some pressure to the computer.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 07:09 AM
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HOT summer engine, 700 rpm, 18-20 psi, Highway, 2000 rpm 40 psi
cold engine anytime 40 idle and over 60 with any throttle.
Stock gauge does all kind of odd things.
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Old Aug 21, 2008 | 04:49 AM
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how many miles on your rigs?

Last edited by harvy; Aug 21, 2008 at 04:53 AM. Reason: dunno
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