Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Low oil pressure? Pic attached

[98ramtough]

I have a 1998 12V with 197k miles on it. I run 15-40Delo oil in it. When its cold it idles with higher oil pressure. When it is warm it stays above 40 all the time when I am driving. When I come to a stop light or down to idle when its warm it falls to the low line. I have had twice when I was on a hill starting in 2nd gear that the oil pressure falls and the idiot light comes on. Is this an oil sending unit or do I have bearing or bigger problems?



I have had a sending unit go out in a previous 12v truck I had, but it would go all the way to zero. Here is a pic of how low it goes when its warm at idle.



#ad

 

[fest3er]

This is a well-known failure. Replace the sender. If you lost oil pressure, the engine would let you know real fast. I think I've put three in my '98 since I bought it in '97.

Not going to zero could be the result of a PCM re-flash.

 

[mwilson]

Another vote for the sending unit... ...



Mike.

 

[rrl989]

Mine acted up on my 98, ended up just playing with the connection at the sender, issue never came back. I suggested Genos start carrying it, they now stock it.

 

[Swineheart]

This is a well-known failure. Replace the sender. If you lost oil pressure, the engine would let you know real fast. I think I've put three in my '98 since I bought it in '97.



Not going to zero could be the result of a PCM re-flash.

I just put a new one on and my oil pressure increased at highway speed and drops to20psi at idle. Is there a oil pressure system that is not electronic on the market out their.

 

[Applegator]

Nice picture. There is a plug on top of the oil filter. Take out the plug and put in a regular pressure guage. Stub it real short for an idle test or run it into the cab for a road test. Then you will know how much pressure you have and whether your inside guage is accurate.

 

[HerbW]

The 98 12 valve Dodge oil pressure system is unique to the bunch. It feeds to the ECM and then that tells the gauge what pressure is there. I'm on my fourth sender. I always have the same symtoms as you but with the warning ding of hell going off at each traffic light stop when zero happens. Always a new sender fixed it to great measurements again. I've posted the sender part numbers before on TDR and it tells the part number for your app. Do an archive search on me and it should be there. The 1998. 5 is way more expensive and the wiring plug is different which is a good way to know it's the wrong one before installing. The socket to get it out is worth buying. I took the new sender while in the auto parts and had them fit me one. I think I paid about thirty something for the right one. A cheap fix! Good luck, Herb

 

[Swineheart]

Nice picture. There is a plug on top of the oil filter. Take out the plug and put in a regular pressure guage. Stub it real short for an idle test or run it into the cab for a road test. Then you will know how much pressure you have and whether your inside guage is accurate.

I have twin turbo's now, If I put a tee in one of the line's will I get an accurate reading or is there another port to use.

 

[HerbW]

Here's my old post on oil senders. I hope it helps. Herb



1998 L6 TDR 12 Valve Oil Sender Parts Numbers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Here's the parts numbers for the oil pressure senders that I've bought for my 1998 Dodge 12 valver that is connected to PCM instead of directly. I've had a lot of troubles finding the right part number as it was used for only a few months.



They are also now in the new Jeno's Garage catalog which is great! I included all the NAPA stuff that was on it's box. I'm using a Carquest one now and the chime/no oil pressure chime is solved again for now.



NAPA part #386271, OP 6189 SB, Barcode # on the box: 099029 $36. 99 in 2006



Carquest Part # 57315. $29. 99 this month



I hope it helps my TDR friends. Herb