mrking

2001 4.2 l v-6 3 rd time in past 2 weeks at start up oil pressure light is on and about 5-10 seconds after start up light goes off and pressure gauge goes to where it should be. where do i start to resolve problem?thanks in advance....

rcairbear

Is the engine knocking before the light and gauge deflect?

R&TBabich

The oil pressure gauge is probably not really a "gauge".
Oil pressure will normally be high in a cold engine, over 30 psi.
After the oil warms up the pressure will drop to around 10 psi at idle.
As RPMs climb the pressure will increase to around 40 psi.
Your "gauge" going to "where it should be" is just a fixed "oil pressure is OK" position.
The oil pressure sensor is a switch that closes at 7 psi, then the gauge is driven to a fixed position.
A typical oil pressure switch is on the left, a full range sensor on the right.
Check for a loose connector on your sensor or the sensor is acting up.

F150ken

Mine did the same, was thinking major engine issues. Replaced the sending unit, all is well.

jstockert

This is a good rule of thumb, if you lose all oil pressure catastrophic engine failure is emeinit. Meaning you will hear things which you know are not right and them motor seizure.

mrking

thanks for all the input was thinking sending unit no knocks.can i change the sending unit for a actual oil pressure gauge with out it upsetting the computer?and doing away with the idiot lights?

jstockert

Get a tee to keep the stock option. That is what is did, I added a mechanical oil pressure gauge.

mrking

thanks did you use a galvanized tee or where did you get it?

jstockert

Brass tee I believe. It's been 3 years. Take your current oil pressure sensor for correct size to Lowe's or depot and they sell in the plumbing dept.