View Full Version : Oil Pressure Drop
88LTDCV351
08-20-2019, 08:53 AM
So was driving home from work yesterday and at a stop light just before home, saw my oil pressure (dummy gauge) drop down. But when light turned green and stepped on gas, the oil pressure returned to normal. Also returned to normal when I put the car in park in the driveway.
Pulled the car in the garage (driveway is bit of an incline) and checked the oil. Oil level looked good but went ahead and topped it up. Started car and oil pressure gauge was normal from then on. Did not notice anything on the way to work this morning (short drive).
Is this normal when the oil is low? Other thoughts/concerns that I should look at?
510paesan
08-20-2019, 11:46 AM
Even though it's a dummy gauge, it still measures pressure. It's essentially a solenoid, sees pressure, or doesn't. Your oil level must have been really low for it to have dropped like that.
Normal when the oil is low, yes.
I'll sell you my gauge pod - real pressure gauge with OEM faceplate, so still retained the stock look, back lit green numbers and all that.
But You'll have to purchase the new sending unit, and convert the connector plug to a ring terminal so it fits on the new sending unit after its installed.
88LTDCV351
08-20-2019, 08:43 PM
Only took about a quart of oil. Level looks good today.
Was keeping an eye on it on the way home. Almost home and it starts to do it again. First the needle starts to twitch. Then it starts to go down. But when I let off the brake and push the gas, it goes back to normal. But then it goes down again at the next light. Does it several times. The twitching only occurred when it first started. Bad gauge?
I'll keep your offer on hand. My wife says I can't spend anymore this month. lol :-)
88LTDCV351
08-20-2019, 10:43 PM
maybe I need to replace the oil sensor switch?
justbob
08-21-2019, 05:32 PM
maybe I need to replace the oil sensor switch?
Cheapest way to rule it out. Fake gauge or not a sender is a sender. But being oil pressure I wouldn’t delay in figuring it out.
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fastblackmerc
08-29-2019, 08:57 AM
Replace the sensor first.
Get a real gauge.
88LTDCV351
09-24-2019, 09:21 AM
I took it to the stealership and they said my gauges were bad. I asked if I need a new switch and they said no, switch was good. But I put new gauges in and they did the same thing. I'm ordering a new switch. They are cheap. Is the correct switch Motorcraft SW8368 or part number GC3Z-9278-A which replaced the 1U5T-9278-DA?
I'm still considering a real gauge somewhere down the line but my wife says I have to control the expenses right now.
Fastbob
09-24-2019, 11:10 AM
Ford / Mercury parts book says only available aftermarket from Auto Meter part number 2242. Pretty sure I used the GC3Z-9278-A which is the same part as the Motorcraft SW-7676 on my 2004 MM. The IU5T-9278-DA is an engineering number and not a part number.
88LTDCV351
09-30-2019, 01:15 PM
I put the new oil pressure switch in this Sunday. Backed my car off the ramps and noticed it was leaking a lot of oil. I think I tightened the oil pressure switch too much and caused some damage. Didn't realize I had Superman hands. Towed it to the shop and should get a call tomorrow on the details and $$$.
I guess there is a reason my wife won't let me touch her car. Seems about 50% of the time when I turn my own wrench for maintenance for my own car, I end up breaking something else. lol
88LTDCV351
10-02-2019, 11:16 AM
OK, so I had caused a crack in the oil filter adapter and it was streaming out oil. Shop is getting it replaced.
justbob
10-02-2019, 01:36 PM
How is that even possible? I’d ask to see the parts. I just can’t see how the adapter would crack before the sending unit snapped in half.
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88LTDCV351
10-02-2019, 05:00 PM
Well, when I put the switch in, it was slowly dripping oil along the bottom where it looked like there was a small crack. I was hoping it wasn't a crack and just oil collecting from somewhere else but when I started the car, it started gushing under pressure. My nephew was there when I was working on the car and he thinks that maybe that was the leak another stealership said I had but they couldn't find and that maybe now that I stressed the area by overtightening the switch, I aggravated it?
Maverick pro
10-03-2019, 10:11 AM
Well, when I put the switch in, it was slowly dripping oil along the bottom where it looked like there was a small crack. I was hoping it wasn't a crack and just oil collecting from somewhere else but when I started the car, it started gushing under pressure. My nephew was there when I was working on the car and he thinks that maybe that was the leak another stealership said I had but they couldn't find and that maybe now that I stressed the area by overtightening the switch, I aggravated it?
I did the same thing when I tested my original engine. I over tightened the sending unit and the adapter plate cracked. I couldn't believe that I cracked it but it happens I guess. My issue sounds the same as yours. I made 5lbs of oil pressure when the engine was warm. I ended up with another engine. Hopefully you dont have to do the same.
03Merc
10-03-2019, 01:45 PM
OK, so I had caused a crack in the oil filter adapter and it was streaming out oil. Shop is getting it replaced.
Happened to My Grand Marquis too. Somebody replaced the switch and over tightened it.
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88LTDCV351
08-16-2020, 03:58 AM
To respond to the older thread, I did get the adapter replaced back then.
Anyway, I've been on shelter in place for so long but needed to drive to my sister's. Took the Marauder because it had been sitting so long. Anyway, due to an accident ahead on the interstate, during stop and go traffic I did happen to look down and saw the oil pressure gauge doing its funny things again. But then was back to normal the rest of the way. Another sending unit needed perhaps? Didn't last long. Replacing it before did seem to fix it for awhile though. Or has the original gauge finally gone bad? I doubt it.
03Merc
08-16-2020, 04:02 AM
I've changed My sending unit probably 5 times on My car for the real gauge. Part number 2242.
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justbob
08-16-2020, 03:52 PM
Mine was bouncing all over while accelerating just recently. Turned out the wire was all but broke off hanging on by a single thread. Replaced the terminal today and back to normal.
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