I just changed the oil for the first time in my 1st gen since I bought it. I noticed a flaky oil pressure gage reading and idiot light commig on since the oil change. This only happens while idling in gear so the rpm's are a little lower then normal idle. I used a Baldwin filter and 15-40 oil. I would like to install a direct reading oil pressure gage. Where should I tap into the oil galley? I noticed a 1/8npt plug on top of the oil filter base, how about there? What is considered the operating range for oil pressure?

 

There is an oil galley on the drivers side of the block. the factory sending unit is in that galley, right behind the power steering pump. At least both my 1992s are there. the plug on the filter may work but I dont know if that plug is pre filter or post filter.
Let us know what you decide.

 

The filter port will be fine for an aftermarket gauge. I would suggest replacing the sender on the driver side of the block. My light would come on when letting the clutch out and dropping the rpms when I first got the truck. Got a new sending unit and all is well. Though it is very important to have, oil pressure is not really something to worry about with the Cummins. I'm pushing 400k and, after having put 10k on myself, I'm really beginning to trust just how rugged and reliable these engines are. Plus, once you have a pyro, you'll be watching that all the time!
greg

 

I listened very closely to the sound of the engine when the dash oil gage and idiot light indicated low pressure but there were no ominous sounds. I will try the filter housing for the gage since it is very accessible. Thanks, Gregg

 

Installed my gauge on the filter also. I have also replaced my oil pressure sending unit 3 times in the life of my 92, about 157,000 miles worth.

 

So where do all of your guy's oil pressure gauges ride at?

I don't have any numbers on mine, but it isn't anywhere near as high as the gauge goes. It hasn't decreased sine I got it, though! All 20 miles I've put on it so far...


And do any of your guy's trucks burn oil? I swear mine burned a little, but I didn't really see where the oil level was last time I filled it up, so I need to wait until next time...

 

Ggg- Minimum acceptable pressure at idle is 6 psi. You should have at least 30 psi at full RPM. Max oil pressure is regulated to 80 psi. The idiot light is supposed to turn on at 5-7 psi. The filter is probably to blame, try a Fleetguard or a Donaldson.

Begle 1- Mine runs in the middle or slightly below. All the gauge tells you is that there is some oil pressure - I hate that!

My truck leaks some (vac. pump seal), but I don't think it uses any to speak of. I only have to add a quart between changes.

 

The ominous sounds you may be thinking of are the sound of hydraulic tappits rattling from lack of oil. This is ofen a sign of low oil on a gasser and if the oil is replenished soon often no harm is done. The Cummins diesel has solid lifters though so the first sign of trouble will be something siezed up and irreparably harmed.

Anyone experienced no oil damege?

Edwin

 

I knew this engine has solid lifters, I just meant it sounded no different then before the idiot light came on.
I installed the gage, at normal operating temperature idling in neutral I have just under 50psi. put it in gear and let it idle and the oil pressure dropped to 25 at its lowest. I noticed the idiot light comes on at about 35psi. I reved up the engine and the oil pressure came up to 60psi. Thanks for all the replies, Gregg

 

Yup , got one in the shop right now , fairly new Ingersol Rand roller with ISB , cust. forgot to put oil back in engine after changing oil and running engine , he didnt forget to put a new filter in not good , gotta come out and change out the crankshaft.

 

mine did same thing just unplug sensor and plug it back in ....worked on mine sensor is between fuel pump and fuel filter

 

Customer FORGOT to put oil back in???

He must of gotten busy doing something else that took a little more priority then replacing the oil.