oil pressure down and back up to normal

[donfromnaples]

dealer says that my oil pressure is low on and off and that they hear a knock in the engine. They recommend that I get a new engine now before it seizes up totally. Does this sound right to anyone? The only thing I noticed was that the gauge starting to read low once in a while so I brought it in. A new motor costs over $4400. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My email is diacovone@aol.com if you want to give me a more direct answer. This is our family car and I really don't want to get stranded. I just can't believe I need a new engine. I have 137,000 miles on it. It is a '95 XLT. Thanks again.

 

[aldive]

I definatly would leave that place at Mach 1, Do not even consider a new motor till you have more facts about yours.

How is the compression? Using oil? Etc?

Keep is posted....

 

[donfromnaples]

it has never used any oil. i did not ask them about the compression for each cylinder.

 

[SteveVB]

get a second opinion...

Ill second Al --get out fast.....Oil pressure from the indash gauge? I would take it to another garage have them check it also- have them check the gauge, the sender may just have some sludge in it. Could also be a bad oil pump pressure spring, a clogged pick up etc. But for 4400 bucks I would get a second opinion no matter what- just take it in tell them the symptoms see what they come up with.

Good luck

 

[aldive]

I would fins out more before I bought a new engine.

Good luck.....

 

[donfromnaples]

at the dealership today, they hooked it up for a diagnostic and got the low oil pressure. so it wasn't just from reading the gauge. you guys think that it is just the oil pump? what about the knock?

 

[aldive]

What did they hook it up too? How did thery measure?

 

[aldive]

I think you need to find a good mechanic and get the hell out of that delership asap.

Good luck.....

 

[donfromnaples]

thanks for the advice. i will have it checked out by another mechanic before getting a new motor.

 

[Jason_25]

Ok find a rebutable mechanic and have THEM test it. If the test still comes up bad then the pump itself may need to be serviced. Not sure if that would require removing the engine or not.

 

[SteveVB]

If anything is causing oil pressure problems you may get a knock. Could be sludge buildup on the pick up that woint let enough oil into the engine - causing a knock in a part that cant get the oiling it needs. . Could be the pump is fried- once again someplace isnt getting the oil it needs and causes the knock. The knock could be a worn bearing, or a wrist pin or ?
Most likely something to do with the valve train though.

In my 150k engine that had a clogged pickup and 5psi - too low- pressure for a period of time my upper engine was trashed, cylinders so so but curiously enough the crank and rods were OK.

I would specifically ask them what the pressures were?, and how they got them?, where the knock is?.

I would still take it to another shop for another opinion. It wont hurt and may save you some money.

Good Luck