oil pressure fluctuation and fuel pressure gauge questions from newbie

[Nickson]

I recently purchased a used 2001 Dodge w/ Cummins. The vehicle has 38k. Im going in for a new steering box this week. Last weekend my oil pressure gauge went nuts. I was close to the local diesel shop and pulled in for a mechanical check. Pressure was fine,(42psi at idle). While at the shop the gauge began to work again. Tech checked the connection at the sending unit and it appeared to be fine. Now oil pressure comes and goes, each time setting off the check gauge alarm. Should I ask them to about the oil pressure tsb that I have read about here at the register or just let them look around for the problem? They seem to be fairly easy to deal with, when I mentioned that the truck seemed to drift right to left on the highway they checked it out and ordered a new steering box for the truck quickly(under the 30 day 1000 mile warranty). For my final annoying question. After reading about all the lift pump problems, what other gauges should I add to the truck besides the fuel pressure gauge? How much should I expect to pay for the gauges and install and does anyone have any suggestions for brand or type of gauges? This is my first post, sorry about the rambling on and on!

 

[HC]

After reading about all the lift pump problems, what other gauges should I add to the truck besides the fuel pressure gauge? How much should I expect to pay for the gauges and install and does anyone have any suggestions for brand or type of gauges?

I think most would agree EGT and Boost should be very high on your list. EGT can help with daily driving and turbo cool down even if you are unmodified; if you are modified it is essential for protecting your investment. Boost will alert you to leaks, which can kill mpg and power. I'm not up on all the cost choices, suggest you call one of the vendors who has more than one brand. I have SPA's. http://www.spatechnique.com/ They cost more than some of the others, but they have adjustible alarm setpoints, huge easy to read digital readouts, and conserve space by putting two readouts on one dial.

 

[HEYBOSS]

Oil Psi

A new oil pressure sending unit will fix the problem. Mine acted the same way. DC has an ecm reflash that they claim it will fix it. I first had mine reflashed and still no good. The new unit is the fix, do a search on it. Also do a search for gauges, there's a lot of gauges and opinions. I have autometer and liked them their middle of the road. If you have auto trans. the most popular set up is EGT, Boost and Trans. Temp.

Fuel will also be good to have, good luck and keep asking.



BTW welcome abord and congrats on your Cummins. You should add your signature so we can better help you in future.



Fred.