how can i check oil pressure, my dash gauge shows very low pressure but it runs fine and oil level is good, were is the pressure sensor located i know the pump is in the timing chain cover - how hard is that to get to.
97 f150 v8 4x4 stock truck (door sticker say manuf. 1/96) but vin says 97 model year

 

oh its hard.... there is one port where the stock sending unit is.... driver side of block, up front... and boy is it fun to get to....
on the oil cooler/filter housing

 

As far as your dash gauge, it is nothing but an idiot light with a needle. It does not show how much oil pressure, just whether you have any.

 

The easiest place to check oil pressure (even though it is the cyl head pressure not the main which is basicly the same). Just below the rightside cam cover at the front outside corner of the head is a small allen plug. Remove it and install a dial gage. The pressure there may be a little lower than the main but will give you an idea of where its at. Depending on oil viscosity, engine temp if it's been started and outside temp if its not been started, oil pressure should run around 45-70 psi on startup. Seen it hit well over 100 psi on severe cold start and 15 psi or so on hot engine idle. If there is no engine rattling (noise) while running then I doubt you have an actual oil pressure issue.

 

mnies 75-80 on cold start, crusiing 75 and HOT HOT idle 37 1/2