96 Explorer

STILLWRPDUPNU

MEMBER
1996 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
179,000 MILES

I have a 96 ford explorer, 179000 miles, the oil pressure gauge has been falling when I apply any gas and has gradually gotten worse over the past 4 months. The engine is ticking and after a few miles starts to run very ruff. I had a head gasket leak about a year ago that I used stop leak to fix but it hasnt ran right since. I am seriously overdue for an oil change as well but only by time not mileage. Its been close to a year but still only 3100 miles have been put on. I have been putting it off because I fear anyday the engine is going to give up. Is there anything it could be besides the oil pump being shot? Are there any products I could try if I do change the oil? Thanks

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

A worn oil pump or excessive bearing clearance will cause oil pressure to increase when engine speed is increased. When pressure drops as speed increases, suspect blockage of the oil pump's pickup screen. You might hope some debris comes out with an oil change but removing the pan to clean the screen is a better solution. Any "viscosity index improvers" such as STP might make the problem worse as thicker oil will have a harder time getting sucked past the blockage.