Oil pressure

[rranger]

Rebuilt a 2.6 and truck is running excellent. Having a oil pressure issue with the sending unit I think. At first I put a oil sending unit on for a dash light that did not work with my oil pressure gauge. Sent away for what is supposed to be the proper oil sending unit for a gauge, after installing and starting the engine the gauge needle moves normally but passes mid range on the gauge where it used to be around, continuing all the way right to the end of the gauge and stays there. Any advice. Will check oil pressure with a manual gauge when I get proper fittings.

[pennyman1]

that sounds like an oil pressure switch - grounds out with pressure on it. The sending unit is rather large compared to a pressure switch. That would work kind of for an oil safety pressure switch for an electric fuel pump, except at startup.

[rranger]

that sounds like an oil pressure switch - grounds out with pressure on it. The sending unit is rather large compared to a pressure switch. That would work kind of for an oil safety pressure switch for an electric fuel pump, except at startup.



Yes i think i managed to order the wrong one. Sending it back and ordering a
Engine Oil Pressure Switch-VIN: K Beck/Arnley 201-0551

[rranger]

So I installed a proper sending unit and my oil pressure barely moved the needle on my gauge, so on the advice of brother in law the mechanic I bought a mechanical gauge. I just installed it and on start up 80lbs. Fluctuates up to 100psi, in up to fourth gear. Gauge only goes to100lbs so might replace. But is 80lbs good or bad at idle, or a better question is what should idle and operating pressures be? Thanks.

[Giovanni89]

I removed the balance shafts in my 2.6. Cold I see 80-100psi at idle. 25 psi at idle when hot (My idle is pretty low) and cruising down the highway at about 2800 rpm I see about 80 psi. It will climb up to about 100 if I let her rev out. I believe the bypass kicks in at 100psi. The rule of thumb I have always known is that you want at least 10psi for every 1K rpm.
I run 10-30 oil, although last winter I dropped down to 5-30. We had plenty of below 0 deg. F nights, takes an alarming amount of time to build pressure when oil is about as fluid as molasses.

[dash]

can't remember if its all or some year 2.6 starions had an upgraded(forklift?) pump, so they had even more pressure
To the point where more than a few cars burst aftermarket filters, on cold start. Blew out non-mitsu turbo seals also
The culprit was a stuck oil pressure relief valve
eliminating balance shafts increase the pressure even more. Most did

[rranger]

I don't know when i used the mechanical gauge oil pressure was up around 80-100 lbs. When i put the old sending unit back on (i found it) I know have oil pressure registering below where the numbers start on the dash gauge. It does move but barely, no where near where it used to read before the rebuild. . I'm going to try cleaning the two engine grounds and check the resistance to the gauge and see if thats my problem . I have little doubt I have good oil pressure its running like a top since my rebuild.

[pennyman1]

Soak the sending unit in a degreaser or charcoal lighter fluid - the small hole in the sending unit can clog up from sludge in the oil.

[rranger]

Soak the sending unit in a degreaser or charcoal lighter fluid - the small hole in the sending unit can clog up from sludge in the oil.



Thanks Pennyman I'll try the soak overnight and see if that helps. Great idea.

[pennyman1]

also run a paper clip in and out of the hole gently to ensure the sending unit is clear.

[rranger]

also run a paper clip in and out of the hole gently to ensure the sending unit is clear.



Getting on it today. Thank you.

[rranger]

Well tried cleaning up old pressure gauge sending unit, and same old very low pressure. So installed manual oil pressure gauge changed oil to 10/30 and Im getting good readings so all good now.

[pennyman1]

there are new sending unit available on ebay right now if you want the factory one to work: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Oil-Pressure-Switch-fits-1976-1983-Plymouth-Sapporo-Arrow-Arrow-Pickup-B/302735653662?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

[tortron]

I got a new one from rock auto too