2014 F150 5.0 233k

For the past month, I’ve had several low oil pressure warnings, but only after driving for an extended period of time, and then stopping for traffic. It’s restarted every time. I’ve done all the usual suspects: new Motorcraft pressure sending unit, installed a Motorcraft oil filter, changed the oil with 10W-30, replaced the PCV, cleaned the throttle body, etc.

Today, I installed a mechanical oil pressure sensor with a digital gauge, and at idle, I have a 30 PSI at start up. I still need to go for a long drive.

So knowing what my oil pressure is, is there a way to bypass the factory oil pressure sending unit? I know it’s basically an off / on switch, but I don’t know how it works. Can I ground the wire (or something similar) and the truck will run?*


* I know it’s there to protect the engine, but millions of cars ran without the system for millions of miles. With a digital gauge, I can now accurately see what’s going on and stop the truck when needed.

Thanks

 

Out of curiosity, have you tried simply unplugging it and see what happens? You can also just put a simple jumper wire in the plug and see if that does what you want it to.

 

I haven’t because I didn’t want to short anything out.

On another note, I drove 200 miles today in 100* heat. At 60 mph and 1500 rpm, oil pressure was 30 psi. At stops, it was 11-15 psi.

Anyone know what the standard psi is at idle (in gear)?

 

The numbers I’m seeing show 15 PSI low end acceptable, 20-30 PSI would be better.

So, walking the tightrope there.

 

You should have roughly 40-60 psi at 2000 RPM on a hot engine.On a cold engine, the pressure should be towards the higher end.Your engine will survive at best if it has 10psi for every 1000 RPM but no less.I would try a heavier oil such as 15w-40 or 20w-50 for the short term.
If you plan on keeping your truck a while, I would drop the pan and plastigauge the bearings and a new, high volume oil pump.

 

Thanks, guys.

I’m the original owner and plan on keeping it, as my last vehicle. I’ve kept up with all the maintenance since day one.

raski, are you talking about the mains or rod bearings or both? Is it possible to install a new set of rod bearings without pulling the motor? Would that help… but maybe a band aid?

Also, what is everybody using for an oil pump? I’m reading conflicting information about Motorcraft and aftermarket.

 

20psi at a hot idle is on the low end, if you run the revs up you should see 60+.

Rods and mains are a concern for sure but so are the cam journals in the heads. You do NOT want to risk bearing damage due to low oil pressure. Boundary makes really good stuff.

-Steve

 

The recommended weight oil for a 2013 5.0 is 5 20. 10 30 is way too thick to Run through the smaller Bearing Journals of modern engines. 10/30 will Overwork the pump, reduce flow through oil passages. And damage engine components. USE the right oil weight AND Type.

 

You should tell that to my 5w50 oil cap.

 

I’ve used the 5W-20 oil for 233,000 miles but with 10 psi of oil pressure at hot idle in 100* heat, I don’t think it’s going to help now.

Thanks for your bright idea.