1997F150XLT

Ok so after I changed my plugs (has nothing to do with the problem) the oil pressure gauge started dropping out. Before this it NEVER fluctuated. Always shows the same amount of pressure no matter what the engine speed is. But now it just randomly drops to nothing and the light comes on. It doesn't matter how fast the engine is turning whether it is cold or hot or what throttle position I am at. I also have no valve rattle or lifter noise. The longest I have counted it going to zero is about 35 seconds. Should I worry about the pump? It seems to me like its a oil pressure sending unit problem or wires? Please help I have never seen this before

RaptoRx7

The oil "gauge" is actually just a sensor.... It does not read actual pressure...

RaptoRx7

Maybe this will help.....

http://www.f150online.com/forums/v8-...ctuations.html

1997F150XLT

Well thats some good info... Good to know I guess but not good news.
Is there a testing procedure for the oil sending unit with a volt meter?

Dholla

I just replaced my oil sending unit after the same problems and it went away.. My light would come on, and the gauge would drop at completely random times regardless of speed, temperature of my engine, time of day, etc... The dealership said it was the oil sending unit so i fixed it myself, its rather easy to fix and cheap.

TomR

I agree, do the sending unit first. Fords have been famous for them going out on older vehicles.

RaptoRx7

Not sure if there is a test procedure, but for 10 dollars, for a new pressure switch, I would just buy a new one.... I personally have never done it, but this may help if you decide to do it....

http://www.fordf150.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=67366

TomR

Acually what you are describing is the test. If you have 0 Oil Pressure you will have all kinds of clatter. The old Fords only needed about 10Lbs to operate. I don;t know about this new stuff. By older I mean anything before 1980.

1997F150XLT

ok new sending unit in tomorrow will update

1997F150XLT

Ok so it was just a loose wire Changed oil and filter and the wire was just hanging on to the sending unit. Thanks guys