oil pressure mystery

[JEdwards]

I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton, 4x4 stickshift...driving on I 40 between Needles ca and Barstow ca, I lost oil pressure....got off the road, shut down quickly, as I could hear it 'rattle'. checked the dipstick, there was oil present. arranged a tow($$$) to get it home. next day tow driver (friend) started it. pressure was good, he drove it, no issues. same next day.

So can anyone shed some light on what happened?

 

[petersonj]

How did you notice the loss of oil pressure? Were you just driving and happened to glance at the gauge?... Or, did you hear an unusual noise which caused you to look at the gauge? Was the oil pressure showing low pressure or zero pressure?

I would get an analog pressure test gauge and place it in the oil pressure port where the oil pressure sending unit is installed. I would then start the engine and see what the real oil pressure is. If the oil pressure is normal, then I would suspect the oil pressure sending unit or wiring.

- John

 

[JEdwards]

How did you notice the loss of oil pressure? Were you just driving and happened to glance at the gauge?... Or, did you hear an unusual noise which caused you to look at the gauge? Was the oil pressure showing low pressure or zero pressure?

I would get an analog pressure test gauge and place it in the oil pressure port where the oil pressure sending unit is installed. I would then start the engine and see what the real oil pressure is. If the oil pressure is normal, then I would suspect the oil pressure sending unit or wiring.

- John

I was pulling a 27' travel trailer, truck began to 'buck' and choke and 'rattle'. when I got stopped, is when I saw the guage completely flat to the left.

 

[AH64ID]

I was pulling a 27' travel trailer, truck began to 'buck' and choke and 'rattle'. when I got stopped, is when I saw the guage completely flat to the left.

That’s more info and points toward something other than oil pressure. I wonder if you have a loose ECM electrical connection.

 

[BigPapa]

Are you sure it was still running when you noticed the oil pressure?

 

[JEdwards]

Are you sure it was still running when you noticed the oil pressure?

well, dang it...you got me racking my brain....I was pushing it pretty hard, in fourth gear up a long pull. when it started jerking and cutting out,
and then the rattle.....I THINK I looked at the gauge, but cannot bring that image into my mind. Just thought get it shut down quick.
A mechanic friend of mine, thinks it could be possible partial block of fuel filter, so will get it looked at next week.
Thank for the responses.