Ok, so i was driving home from college today and all of a sudden the oil pressure just dropped, but then it quickly shot back up again. It has never done this before so i figured that maybe my gauge was just acting squirley. Well tonight on my way home it started to act up again, but this time made a warning light come on. Could this be the oil pump going out?

 

I doubt it's the pump. More likely the oil pressure sending unit located at the oil filter adapter. Could be a couple different things. Did the engine make any noise like ticking,rattling, tapping when the pressure dropped?

 

i didnt notice any noises when it dropped. but im thinking about just changing the sending unit first since the part is so cheap. Then i will go from there if the problem persists.

 

and just to make sure, this is the sending unit correct?

 

Good plan, yes thats it.

 

also the new sending unit doesnt have the plug on the end, just a threaded stud. is the old plug supposed to unscrew or did i get the wrong part?

 

Sounds like you got the wrong part. The new one should look just like the old one and yes the sending unit just screws off. If you go to a dealership they should have what you need.

 

yep, i had the wrong part. it's all good now.
thanks for the help dyno....

 

it could be your oil pressure switch stuck or malfunctioned. i would think thats what it was. just check your oil and make sure its all on the upside. but you dont have a oil pressure sendin unit, btw. its a switch. and your gauge aint really a gauge. so the fact that your pressure went to nothin then back to normal real quick while driving most likely has something to do with your switch stickin or malfunctioning, not a prob with your engine. this is a good thread to read... https://www.f150online.com/forums/v8...iot-gauge.html

 

Yer 2 hours late.

 

I know this is a bit late, but it looks like you're running a Fram oil filter. I'd change that to a motorcraft straight away to prevent any other oil issues...

- Erik

 

Scruffy got that one right! If you don't want to run MC, get someones used Purolater or Wix, it'd be better than a NEW Fram!

 

yup no probs here with motorcraft. ive heard horror storys about fram. never had probs with fram my self but dont wanna chance it any more plus fram and motorcraft cost the same why not.

The more MOTORCRAFT parts on a triton motor the happyer it runs. thats been my motto since chagin plugs.

Also your gauge is an idot gauge as long as it has 4PSI of oil it will read normal... to show how bad this is my truck fully warm with an aftermarket oil press. gauge reads 35-40PSI and upwards of 70-80 on the freeway. so 4PSI aint gonan do alot of lubin up.

 

Yeah i knew that about the plugs, but didnt really think the oil filter would make a difference. Well next change ill go with the motorcraft or puralator.

 

yeah there the same price no diff. for me here thats where i got my motto from.