Oil Pressure gague goes to 0 then back up upon restart

[Capt Robert]

Hello all. I have a 97 explorer. SOHC V6. I noticed the check gage light came on and the oil pressure needle was at 0, the bottom of gague. I shut it off and then restarted it. The gague returned to normal. Few minutes later, same thing again. I had just changed the oil, using the same type of filter as always. A Fram sure grip PH8A. I dedided to take the bottom oil pan off and inspect the oil pick up screen. When I took off the lower pan I found what the dealer describes as timing chain guide parts, along with other various pieces of metal and plastic. I cleaned out the screen and put it all back together. Same problem. It starts and runs perfect, no missing no smoking etc. If this wasn't the best vehicle that I've ever owned I wouldn't bother with it, but even after 244k + miles, well even the A/C still works great.
I read something about an oil filter check valve? Can anyone expande on this as a poss cause. I understand that the metal and plastic parts that I found will lead eventually lead to a major repair, but That isnt effecting the oil pressure. It is still running strong and smooth. With its age and milage, I don't want to put a lot of money in it. If I cant figure this out then I'll have to sell it. Any help will be appreciated. thanks Rob

 

[Fabbed4d88]

First off I personnaly think it's about time to change the timing chains and guides. Second of all I'd change that Fram filter. I use to use them on everything I owned till I read about them on this site and did some research of my own...They're garbage. Third, you may want to change out your oil pressure sending unit, sounds like its going bad.

 

[my98nnj]

Definately check the connections to the sending unit, it's cheap to change too.

 

[dynamite196]

you found metal and plastic in the oil pan and decided to put it back together I'd start by replacing the timing chain and guides (maybe you should have a mechanic do it), second scrap the fram filter and get yourself something decent. Purolator is the best along with mobil and bosch, if you want to go cheaper the supertech filters from walmart work great (made by bosch). I'm guessing the bits of plastic and metal get sucked into the intake screen upon startup blocking the oil flow. Not good for your engine, hopefully you didn't damage anything too badly already.