Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil Pressure Issues

[harrisonm3]

Drove 1000 miles yesterday from Portland Oregon to Los Angeles for military duty. 800 miles into the trip the oil pressure readings became sporadic bouncing down to zero and then back to the right side of the 40. We pulled over immediately and checked the oil and the level was fine.



I recently replaced the OEM oil pressure sender as I broke it while replacing the vacuum / powersteering pump. Since the truck was full of oil and the sender seemed to be working sporadically we made the decision to keep driving as it was the middle of the night. After researching on here about the senders I see that the one I got from Napa for $8 is probably faulty. The truck made the rest of the trip without incident.



I just saw the following while looking through the TSB's:

The information only bulletin was issued to alert the field to problems caused by aftermarket oil filter. For example, neoprene compounds used internally in the manufacture of oil filters not recommended by DaimlerChrysler may seperate from the filter, lodge in the piston cooling nozzle, and cause the engine to fail. THIS IS NOT AN ENGINE DEFECT.



I've been using Fram filters. Should I be concerned?

Would clogging piston cooling nozzle's lower the oil pressure?

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

A plugged nozzle may toast a cylinder, not cause a pressure drop. I would venture a guess that the oil pressure sending unit is defective.
I had a similar experience several years ago in my 98. 5 midway on a trip from Washington state to Oklahoma City. No unusual noises (besides the chime going off every couple of minutes), plenty of oil flowing to the rocker arms so pressed on to OKC where we had it changed.
And - get rid of the FRAM filters - quick! (They may have addressed the issue, but they are poorly made and other manufacturers make a far superior product. Do a query and you will find some excellent research that has been done on the subject).

 

[Missouri Mule]

The Fram oil filters are known to have material get into piston cooling nozzels.



FleetGuard are made by Cummins and you get them at Geno's Garage for a good price. Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories - Geno's Garage

 

[HerbW]

I buy Pureolater filters from Bi-mart which is all over Oregon. They received high ratings in TDR reviews and sell there at Bi-mart for a great price. I don't put Fram on my tractor. I just think they are trouble. They also sell Delo and other good oils for your truck. I think your sender is faulty. If pressure was a problem, You'd found out about it pretty quick. Herb in Oregon also.

 

[AWeis]

i have a 98 dodge 3500 12 valve diesel duilly 4x4 . how do i replace oil pressure switch and what size socket ? thank,s albert

 

[HerbW]

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



1998 L6 TDR 12 Valve Oil Sender Parts Numbers



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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



They sell a special socket for the sender which is worth the purchase for about $8. 00 at the regular auto parts house. The sender on mine was 1 1/16" and really deep as I recall. It's located under your P7100 injection pump and is a ball to get to. It's black plastic, round, long and has a metal part where it screws into the block. Nothing else in that area like it.



I hope it helps my TDR friends. Herb

 

[AWeis]

oil pressure switch

thank,s herbw that help,s a lot thank you aweis