Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Temp. loss of oil pressure, HELP!

[nersasian]

I have a '98 with 128k miles. The dealer just told me I have a broken head bolt which would explain the lack of power and idle problems, but would it cause a loss of oil pressure for 4 to 8 seconds while idleing or under decelleration? The dealer wouldn't look at the oil pump because it's to hard to get to and told me to just get a remanufactured engine and replace it. The loss of oil pressure doesn't happen all the time. It's random. Is the motor shot? Or just the oil pump, or ?



I also need to find a good mechanic in the So Cal area, know any?

Thanks, Steve

 

[Berrigan]

My guess you need a pcm reflash. My oil press problem was the same as yours and the reflash fixed it. Ive been told cummins oil pumps rarely fail. How did the head bolt break? Bill

 

[nersasian]

Hello Bill, thanks for your input. I would have never thought of a pcm reflash. I hope that does it. I'm not sure how the head bolt broke. About 4 months ago I noticed a drop in power and it wouldn't idle that well especially when the air was on. I installed a stinger-plus set up from banks and gained alot of power, but a few weeks after that I started noticing what sounded like an exaust leak. I took it in and they said it was a head bolt.



I really don't trust this dealership and hope to find a local mechanic soon.

Thanks again, Steve

(PS This is my first day with TDR)

 

[CumminsPower98]

Fixed mine the first time with a new sender and that lasted quite some time. Replaced sender and it didn't last long before it started acting up again so this time I got the re-flash (long story about a dealer that didn't know about the TSB even when given the number). All the reflash does is recalibrate the PCM so it doesn't register on the gauge below 40 psi. Correct me if I'm wrong guys but I think it will read at about 40 until the pressure drops below 6 psi at which point it chimes and drops to 0. So the only way to know what the oil pressure is really doing is to put your own gauge on there. That dealer is pretty lame if they say you need a new motor just cause the pressure drops now and then. This is a common problem on '98 12 valves. Here is the TSB: http://dodgeram. info/tsb/1999/08-22-99.htm

 

[nersasian]

Hey CP98,

Thanks for the TSB, it sounds exactly like whats going on with my truck. I can't wait to take this back to my dealer and show the manager. Want to see the look on their faces.

Thanks again, Steve

 

[CumminsPower98]

Make sure you print out the TSB. The dealer I went too was so lame they couldn't even figure out how to look up the TSB in their system or online. Long story about being charged for checking it out and stuff and not doing the TSB... I fnally had to print it out for them and then they got it done. I then had to write a letter to them to get refunded for the first trip.