Oil pressure shoots to the high max and then drops to the lowest it can

1997 FORD F-150
180,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHRISHICKMAN AMYWHELAN HICKMAN
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Okay, I thought I was a descent mechanic but I am stumped. My father's truck has been raising to the highest the gauge shows and then it drops to the lowest setting on the gauge. I thought the gauge was wrong maybe but it only takes a minute and then the temperature raises. Which means since it has coolant it is not getting oil. I have replaced the oil pressure switch and even did a oil change with no success. I bought the oil pump and realized I do not know if I can put it in, in my driveway and simple hand tools. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
May 13, 2017 at 3:38 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,858 POSTS
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The best way to make sure if it is the pump or the gauge is to remove the sender and install a manual gauge you can get for free from an auto parts store to see what the pressure really is. Then we know if it is the oil pump or the gauge that is the problem.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
May 16, 2017 at 12:57 PM
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