Oil pressure bottoms out when the weather gets colder

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Nov 29, 2010 | 07:35 PM
  #1  
Ok so the past few seasons when it starts to get alittle colder outside my oil pressure gauge falls on its face and the light comes on when you start it. After it runs for a few it jumps back up to normal. It will also raise if i rev the motor up alittle but will drop when i let of the gas. Some help here guys
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Nov 29, 2010 | 08:10 PM
  #2  
What filter and oil are you using. What are the temps dropping down too
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Nov 29, 2010 | 08:21 PM
  #3  
Temps are about 30-40 and it doesnt always do it just about 25% of the time. Im running fram filter and Castrol Syntec Full Synthetic
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Nov 29, 2010 | 08:43 PM
  #4  
Quote: Im running fram filter and Castrol Syntec Full Synthetic
Whether it's part of the issue or not, get rid of that Fram filter asap and go with Motorcraft.
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Nov 29, 2010 | 09:28 PM
  #5  
Do you get any engine noise when the gauge/pressure drops off? If not I suspect the oil pressure sender is sludged up and needs replacing.
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Nov 29, 2010 | 09:32 PM
  #6  
What weight Castrol? You should use only 0w20, 0w30, 5w20, or 5w30.

Agree, get RID of that Fram. They have inadequate anti-drainback valves and you are getting dry starts.
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Nov 30, 2010 | 07:26 PM
  #7  
fram=junk! get a motorcraft!
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Dec 1, 2010 | 12:18 AM
  #8  
Or any other quality filter.
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Dec 2, 2010 | 09:04 PM
  #9  
Quote: Or any other quality filter.
... but it is hard to beat the Motorcraft. It is basically a Pure-One with different paint on the can. You also may be having flow issues due to the filter draining down with the Fram. It doesn't have the required silicone valve (assuming your Motorcraft filter is the 820s).

As far as the Syntec goes, their 5w20 is a heavy 5w20 and the 5w30 is a light 5w30 wt (cst of 9.0 and 9.7 respectively). Personally, I run the 5w30 syntec in my '09. I like the HT/HS if 2.92 instead of 2.6 for the 5w20. Lots of controversy on whether or not this matters though. If I was going to run a 5w20, I would likely just use the inexpensive Motorcraft blend - it is really a good oil of you change it every 5K. (The Amsoil 0w20 is tempting as well.)
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