I have question about my oil guage. When truck is in neutral or park, oil pressure is fine. While driving it is normal, when I am coming to stop at a light my guage goes to low then back to normal and flutters. I bought new sensor today, have yet to put it on. Where is sensor located on 97 4.2 , really just wanting to know if this could be sign that my oil pump is going toast. Any feedback would be great.

 

Next to the oil filter.

 

I just sat down at the computer to ask about the same exact problem with my 1997 4.2 6 cyl. (70,000 miles on rebuilt motor). I just had the front timing chain cover replaced and shortly after I noticed the exact same problem. I stopped back at the shop and they thought it was the sensor switch. It was replaced yesterday, however it did not fix the problem. I am going to leave it at the shop on Saturday to have the actual pressure checked. Any feedback would be great.

 

What do you want? Guesses?

That dummy gauge starts heading to low around 7 PSI. It's pretty close to too late if left like that.

That's not something I would let go for long. It may just be the sender, but without hooking up a mechanical gauge and checking pressure, there is no telling...and it's a pricey wrong guess, too.

 

Why the shop oil pump if that is the problem after looking over my book seems simple to do, basically is part your oil filter goes on. Sure does beat having to drop your oil pan. 6 bolts total. Testing the sensor you use an ohmmeter. How do I test for the oil pump to see if it is performing accurately. My ford has 138,000 miles 33,000 on new engine after hydrolocking the last engine. Great ford engineering.