Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Loss in oil pressure?

[Ballbreaker]

I noticed a couple of months ago when I brake to a stop, the oil pressure gauge in my dash drops to zero IMMEDIATELY. If I rev to 1000rpm+ the pressue comes back just as quick. When the engine is cold, i don't have the problem. But once it warms up, thats when I have the problem. I have no clue whats going on. Any insight/suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, how do you adjust the idle on a 98 12v? I couldn't find the adjustment screw my old 97 had.

Personally, I liked the 97 better. Better setup, less clutter. Just a random thought.



Thanks,



Miles

 

[RVPILOT]

oil pressure

Here's what has happend to me in the many miles on my truck. I am on my third sending unit and and I experienced a problem simular to yours. I thought that the latest sending unit was failing but when I tested the pressure at the top of the oil filter housing it regestered 80 P S I. the problem was the guage itself. about $290. 00 at the dealer, forget it! so now I go around with zero oil pressure, yes I do have confidence in these motors stormy

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Hi Miles, try replacing the oil pressure sending unit, it's basically a pressure switch screwed into the side of the block on the driver side. These are known to fail. This diagram should help you locate it.

http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/Facts/figures/12Ve_locations-l.gif

 

[CumminsPower98]

I went through a few senders and they usually did fix the problem for a while. The last one I installed really didn't do the trick for long at all so I finally had this TSB done. Yes my gauge is now even less accurate but at least I don't get bothered by the chime and dropping needle all the time now when I come to a hot idle.

 

[Missouri Mule]

My oil pressure dropped to zero doing 70, slowed down came back up to about 35 psi last year. Had my mechanic installl sending unit all is well.



Your guage dropping to zero and coming back up are typical signs of a failing oil pressure sending unit.



If your 98 has a p7100 injector pump the slow idle adjusting screw should be in the same place as your 97 was.

 

[Ballbreaker]

Thanks for the input everybody. It sounds like the concensus is that the sending unit is the culprit. That definitely puts my mind at ease.