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1985 Ford E-350 Oil Pressure Loss

1985 FORD F-350
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BIGCOUNTRY625
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
i am experiancing a loss of oil pressure while under acceleration or turning a corner.if i park and turn the engine off for a few minutes.then turn it back on it will slowly build back pressure.any help would be greatly appreciated.
Jan 18, 2007 at 8:47 AM
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INDYUKE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 416 POSTS
A few questions to get a background:
Does this happen all of the time?
When was the oil last changed?
How much oil is in the engine?
How many miles does the engine have on it?

Check the oil pressure guage (has a guage?), oil pressure sending unit and the wiring in between to make sure everything is in good working order and the readings you are getting are indeed correct. You can also double check oil pressure (as best you can without the vehicle moving) with a mechanical oil pressure guage in place of your electronic one. I hope this helps.
Jan 18, 2007 at 12:29 PM
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BIGCOUNTRY625
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
it actually just started today,the van itself has been sitting for a few months after it failed emissions.so i put a new carburetor also a full tune up.including oil oil filter.i also had some leaking valve cover gaskets that i replaced.the guage it self and everything between is working it seems.because when the guage drops to no pressure you can hear a lifter start to tap.
Jan 18, 2007 at 1:10 PM
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INDYUKE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 416 POSTS
You might have a bad or weak oil pump.
Jan 19, 2007 at 12:43 PM
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Suggested Repair

Confirm the oil level and verify the gauge reading with a mechanical oil pressure gauge, checking the sending unit and wiring. If the low-pressure reading is real—especially with lifter tapping—suspect a weak or failing oil pump.

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Conversation Summary

A 1985 Ford E-350 with a 351 engine loses oil pressure during acceleration or cornering, then slowly regains pressure after sitting a few minutes. The issue began after the van sat for months; the owner had recently installed a carburetor, performed a tune-up, changed the oil and filter, and replaced leaking valve cover gaskets. The gauge appears accurate because a lifter taps when pressure drops. The expert first advised verifying the gauge, sending unit, and wiring, then suggested a bad or weak oil pump.

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