Weird oil pressure

[xtopher]

And when i say weird, what i mean is none. Or at least thats what my gauge says. Did an oil change about 2 months ago. Last week or so the gauge looked like it does in the image. Havnt had a chance yet to check anything other than my oil level, as well as ensure i tightened the drain plug and filter properly. Should also mention i don't hear any knocking like low pressure should result in. My money is on the gauge going bad, but wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts or advice on what to look into when ive got the free time?

 

[xtopher]

Forgot image

 

[Skydiver]

Just to make sure you know this. That gauge is really a dummy gauge. Just like a dummy light, it is on or off but will not show true pressure or fluctuations.

Check the sensor on the side of the engine block. If memory serves me, it is on the driver side just above the oil pan.

I thought there was a small writeup telling others how to check it and the gauge in the dash itself. I forget where though.

Good luck

 

[xtopher]

Thanks for the reply Skydiver. Ill try searching for the write up as well as checking the sensor. Any recommendations on a true gauge, or if a true one is worth getting?

 

[marragtop]

Agreed, it is a dummy gauge. Try smacking the top of the dash over the gauge and see if the needle jumps up to normal. My gauge on the 95 sticks every now and then and smacking it fixes it.

 

[Skydiver]

I'll try to look for the thread if you haven't found it by now. (sorry for the slow replies, I'm reading a couple other forums atm.)

There were several members in that thread I'm thinking of talking about how they did convert the dummy to a true gauge.

EDIT ::
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14894

give this link a look.

 

[rhauf]

I have one recommendation or an oil gauge, buy one with an electronic sending unit, do not buy the kind with a teflon (or copper) line that goes to the gauge, i've had these come apart and leave me stranded when all the oil leaks out and the engine siezes up (i didn't know it happened.. in a few seconds my oil was gone) had to rebuild the engine..

learned my lesson on that and buy electronic gauges now.

 

[xtopher]

@marragtop Tried smacking the dash, didnt even budge.

@Skydiver Reading that thread now, also found:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210435&highlight=oil+gauge

@rhauf Thanks for the tip!

 

[Masterd]

Convert it...you wont regret it

 

[xtopher]

Found the sensor on my lunch today. Autozone didn't have any in stock so im ordering one. Wires seem in tack as far as i can tell. Ill try and do a more through check and test when ive more ample time. Thanks again to everyone who responded!