2000 Ford Explorer oil pressure

Hi Brian;

When you first start the engine is the oil pressure reading o.K?

When you are driving it for a few minutes and you suddenly lose oil pressure, does the oil pressure gauge eventually show pressure again?

If the answers are "YES" to the two questions above. I would say the problem is a malfunctioning oil pressure sender.

When you drive the vehicle and the pressure gauge drops. Pull over and just let the engine idle.
If you do not hear any clattering/clicking sound or loud tappet noise after a brief period of letting the engine idle.
I would say you have a bad oil pressure sender.
If you do hear unusual noises shut the engine off "Immediately"
Hearing clicking/clattering or loud tappet noise, you have a bad oil pump because the engines moving parts are not receiving oil.
Good Luck;
Rick

Rick