Engine Light / Oil Pressure Guage

[busbo]

1990 351w

Recently when my Bronco is in D and idiling (engine warm), the oil pressure guage will steadily drop and cause the check engine light to come on. If I give it a little gas or put it in N, it will return to normal. I have verified the oil level is correct. I have also recently experienced some knocking with the engine, especially when the engine is cold. Thanks for any help.

 

[Seabronc]

Try going to a heavier oil, for ex. if you have 10W30 in it go to 10W40. I run 20W50 most of the year. It is caused by engine wear and there isn't much you can do to prevent it short of a rebuild. I forget who it was in the forum, but according to his auto mechanics instructor 10 lb / 1000 RPM is normal and that is exactly what mine does.

Good luck,

>-

 

[pinson27]

1990 351w
Recently when my Bronco is in D and idiling (engine warm), the oil pressure guage will steadily drop and cause the check engine light to come on. If I give it a little gas or put it in N, it will return to normal. I have verified the oil level is correct. I have also recently experienced some knocking with the engine, especially when the engine is cold. Thanks for any help.

Before assuming there is anything wrong with your engine,try replacing your oil sending unit.These get old and gummed up and tend to give false readings.

 

[Seabronc]

Right, I forgot to mention the pressure sending unit since I've been using a wet pressure gauge so long. Unfortunately, since you have an EEC engine, you need the sender. You could add a real pressure gauge by Teeing off at the current sender location. You will probably find that when the stock gauge says 0 a wet pressure gauge will show between 5 and 10 pounds.

Knocking for a couple of seconds when starting, especially in real cold weather is normal since the oil is thick and it takes a second or two to get around after setting and draining down. If it happens when the check engine light comes on and after the engine has been running for a minute or so, I'd check it out. If that is the case, then you may have an oil pump problem, (another thing I forgot to mention before, let's just call it a senior moment) :blush:

Good luck,

>-

 

[busbo]

Thanks for the replys. I will check the oil sending unit and step up to a heavier oil. As far as the knocking goes...it quiets down after several minutes but it does show a little heistation as well sometimes. I hate to do it, but it might be time to start thinking about selling the thing. With a baby on the way, I don't have much time to mess with it...

 

[firstford]

Thanks for the replys. I will check the oil sending unit and step up to a heavier oil. As far as the knocking goes...it quiets down after several minutes but it does show a little heistation as well sometimes. I hate to do it, but it might be time to start thinking about selling the thing. With a baby on the way, I don't have much time to mess with it...

I've just had that exact same problem last year not going to be fun but sorry to say it you oil pump that noise is more a rattle those are you lifter