2000 XL Low oil pressure on start up

[steve154]

Hi,

I have a 2000 XL with 37,000 miles on it. When I start it the oil pressure guage shows almost no pressure. It goes up to normal after a minute or two. The problem started since the weather got cold and it does not do it if the temp is above 40 deg. Also, it only does it the first time that the engine is started for the day. I am concerned about driving it like this. A friend, who is a Ford Mechanic, said that he thinks it is a guage problem and not an oil pressure problem. Any ideas?

 

[blue_97_v8]

i would say it's the oil pressure sending unit..not a prob in the moter..

 

[ArkieDave]

A good reason to switch to synthetic or syn-blend oil.
I know it makes a difference in my mtorcycle on cold days. You can feel it in the trans shifting since they share the same oil. Also m-cycle cranks easier in cold with syn oil.
Dave

 

[Opera House]

If you search the site, you will find this is a fairly common problem. The semder is just a switch that turns on at about 6# and is only about $7. If you had no pressure it would be very obvious from the ticking. It is just above the oil filter but not easy to get at.