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Oil pressure gauge - Goes up and down (Sensor going bad?)


mrvwbug
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This just started today on my 85.5 flatty....But I just wanted to make sure I'm covering all my bases.

 

When I start the car the oil pressure gauge goes JUST above the half way mark - then it will fall all the way down to the "L" mark for all oil pressure. Then it will go back up especially on the highway or at higher speeds.

 

It runs, fine no knocking or irregular idle. So I don't think its the oil pump. I bought a new sensor pressure switch.

 

I'm having some one look at this with me tomorrow; however, I don't want to over look ANYTHING which may if fact be another cause or potential problem.

 

If you have any thoughts at all on other causes please let me know asap!

 

Thanks all!

 

SLim Jim

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Some movement of the oil pressure guage is normal, however that doesn't sound normal. Check the connection at the switch first and clean it. It usually gets real cruddy under there.

 

Thanks TexasQuest!

Edited by mrvwbug
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I had an aftermarket gauge that would do that once in a while.

It meant I was running low on oil and the pump was draining the pan low enough to suck air.

 

Factory gauges are usually too slow for this unless you are really low or there is a restriction in the cylinder head preventing the oil from draining back.

 

Probably your sending unit, but check your oil too.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Castrol 20-50w synthetic blend. First thing I check was the oil. I clean the contact on the sensor with some emery paper. It's fine now. But my heart was racing when this happened.

 

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/CAS2/BLEND2050/N1879.oap?ck=Search_N1879_CAS_-1_-1&mn=Castrol&mc=CAS&pt=N1879&ppt=C0368

Edited by mrvwbug
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