Annoyance or Problem?

[xglyphicx]

Ok, so this is mind boggling, and the symptoms make no sense to me.

Every time I turn on "Max AC" in my 1997 sport the oil pressure meter dances all over the place, sometimes to the point where it triggers the "Check Gage" light. Its like a fast flicker... not a slow movement. It only happens when I pull up to a stop light/sign. once I get going again it goes back to normal... and like I said only when "Max AC" is on.. when i turn it off it stops immediately.

I'm thinking its electrical for that very reason (my battery has a lot of responsibilities - 1800w stereo and power everything). The engine doesn't run any differently when the pressure drops.. I'm just confused.. anyone else have any ideas?

 

[craiganator]

99 doing the same except with air off or on. as long as I keep a load on the engine the oil pressure gage reads normal. Pull to a stop light and away the gage dances.

Did you ever get a response or reason?

 

[xglyphicx]

Ya it hasn't done it in some time. I deemed it to be just an annoyance... I have seen no signs of engine damage. Still happens from time to time but rarely. I checked out more about it... I haven't pinpointed the problem but I learned those gauges aren't very accurate. My exp is closing in on 200k.. I'm not expexcting too much more out of her though. She's proven herself many times over.

 

[craiganator]

Many thanks for the fast reply. I understand the situation. Ours is at 202K and has served us well. Gonna ride it till the wheels come off. Again, thanks.

 

[corkey]

when you put the air on max does the engine rpm also drop ?

a slower revving engine makes less oil pressure as the pump is not spinning as fast, and that could be what is happening,,

 

[xglyphicx]

I have since sold my explorer - but it wasn't like a slow drop.. it would twitch from high to low, that literally is the best way I could describe it. lol.. when it did it RPM's stayed normal. The engine didn't run funny at all. I think it was just a weird electrical issue. A compression check was done on the cylinders right before I sold it, nothing came up suspicious.. there were no oil leaks, I never have had to add oil to her.. the engine was solid when I sold it.