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Oil gauge fluctuating?

Tiny
NELZIE
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
When the truck is started on a cold day the oil gauge will be right in the middle but once the truck heats up slowly drops and I'm stopped at a red-light the gauge goes all the way down but when in park the gauge stays steady.
Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 12:11 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
This can happen on older engines because the bearing clearances are starting to get out of spec. Also, if the oil pump is worn out or the pressure regulating spring is broken it can happen as well. You might want to try changing the oil to a heavier weight such as 10/40 or 20/50, roll a new filter on as well.
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 4:48 PM
Tiny
HAVAS BORES
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
As a Chevrolet long time shop foreman, I completely agree with Short Flame. Engine oil pressure changes with engine RPM. Simple as that. I can never understand why people have a problem understanding this. An engine oil pump RPM is directly connected to engine RPM.
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 11:14 PM
Tiny
NELZIE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Would Lucas oil thickener for high mileage motors work?
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 11:18 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Yes it will, I have used it many times.
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Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 AT 10:26 AM

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