Low oil pressure

It might be the pressure relief valvestuck in the oil pumpp. The pump is under the timing cover. There is an older TSB telling of oil filter misapplication and causing damage. You might try a new AC filter to see if that cures it.

The oil pump moves with increase RPM's maybe it needs crankcase cleaning/engine flush to clear a partial clogged screen/oil galleries and/or out of calibration oil sending unit.

This may not be serious. Or it could be!

If you are experiencing funny noises or knocking at low pressure for sure, it is probably serious!

Have you checked your oil level? Surely you have!

(now, a little bit of preaching!)

What I mean is "you"---not "dave" down at the "super dooper lube" two months ago! (This is how some people check their oil!)

It is important to check it at minimum, "weekly" as probably prescribed in your owners manual. And also if you suspect a problem or your gauge or light says you have a problem! Anything could happen within seconds, your oil plug falls out (installed wrong) or road debris knocks a hole in your pan. If oil is the issue, immediately shut it down. No limping it another 500 feet!

Even if you "have oil"---your oil pump may not be working!

Have you kept up with scheduled changes?

Using the correct oil?

(preaching is over!)

Remove your oil pressure sender and install a mechanical oil pressure gauge---this will give you a real accurate reading as to what your actual oil pressure is, and is doing while being driven.

A gauge set up sorta like mine, or an aftermarket under the dash mount (used as a portable, temporary test platform) will allow it to be run out from under the hood and into your window, so you can watch it as you drive, on top of the dash, or in the seat beside you. Might pick out a pertty one, you may want to mount it permanently and do away with the electric one!

If it says everything is a-okay with the mechanical gauge

Then most likely your sender is defective (normally the problem in cases like yours)--- the actual gauge in the dash would be the second guess as to being bad, or the wiring in between

Some people just change the sender as their "test", that is fine, unless it does not seem to work out

I, myself, like to know what the "real deal is", before I buy a part.I can't afford a new engine either. Parts changing is kinda a weigh it out thing $$$/ time/ satisfaction with results. Or you now have a working old spare part!

I was told that 4 psi was adequate pressure to lube an engine, by a local production engine re-builder (i would not want that myself!) The norm in my '77 cj 5 is between 40-60 psi.20 psi is when I start getting alert and ready to rebuild!

A "high volume" oil pump is available for my engine (may be able to find one for yours too) I have installed several on this and others I have owned previously. They have increased my pressure, and cost about $120 or so, just a guess, I gained maybe another 60,000 miles, before pressure dropped off again.

This may be an option for you, if the mechanical gauge does prove that you do have wear and tear, and pressure just ain't gonna improve until you do something mechanical. High volume pump/ internal bearings/ or a rebuild

See my pic below of my gauge

Be sure you keep us posted.

The medic

If it's 30 psi at idle it's not bad. Its best to manually check the oil pressure with a gaugea s the electric ones can be off. Also it depends on the oil filter you are using if you feel it's low because of that. The following is considered normal oil pressure hot.
Oil Pressure (Minimum-Hot)
41 kPa at 1, 000 engine RPM
124 kPa at 2, 000 engine RPM
165 kPa at 4, 000 engine RPM6 psig at 1, 000 engine RPM
18 psig at 2, 000 engine RPM
24 psig at 4, 000 engine RPM
see pics on where to check for leaks. Amek sure to wash off all oil so you can find the leak to begin with or you never will

Put a manual gauge on it first see if it does the same it may be wear on bearings or a bad oil filter if that was replaced.

Hello -

Based off the information given you have a bad oil sensor.

The IPC uses the engine oil sensor signal to determine the engine oil pressure. The oil pressure sensor signal circuit is hard-wired to the IPC. The engine oil pressure sensor signal to the IPC is a variable resistance ranging from 0-90 Ohms . A sensor resistance of 1 Ohms will display as 0 psi (0 kPa) and a resistance of 88 Ohms will display as 80 psi (550 kPa) . The Check Engine Oil Pressure indicator will be displayed in the message center if the IPC detects a low engine oil pressure.

Tools Required: J 41712 Oil Pressure Sensor Socket

Remove the engine sight shield. IMPORTANT: Clean the area around the sensor before removal. Do not allow debris to enter the engine.
Disconnect the oil pressure sensor electrical connector.
Remove the oil pressure sensor using the J 41712 or equivalent.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004 or equivalent to the threads of the oil pressure sensor. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Use the J 41712 or equivalent in order to install the oil pressure sensor. Tighten Tighten the oil pressure sensor to 20 N.m (15 lb ft) .
Connect the oil pressure sensor electrical connector.
Install the engine sight shield.
Check and adjust engine oil level.

Good morning and thanks for visiting,

Generally when you prime an oil pump you don't have to do it for long, and you don't have to do it again. Do you have a way to put a mechanical gauge and measure the oil pressure that way?

We basically need to find out whether or not you have actual oil pressure loss here or if its something electrical.

Hearing "a little bit of ticking" is normal really. Since you said that, i'm inclined to think that its electrical. Because no oil pressure usually makes lots of clanking noises.

Until you can verify whether there is (or isn't) any oil pressure don't run the engine too much or rev it up. Just until you find out.

Hope that helps.
Jon

Okay, fair enough!

In that case, can you tell me about when you had the pan off, what sort stuff did you find? In the bottom of the pan, in the pickup screen, pickup tube. Etc. Any debris or gunk?

Regards
Jon