I have a 2000 jeep xj with about 148,000 miles. When hot the oil pressure is drops to 0 at idle (only reaches about 10-15psi at 2000 rpms) and the check gauges light comes on. The sending unit is brand new, replaced the oil pump, and I had a mechanical gauge confirm that the oil pressue is low. There is no engine knock and my mechanic says it even sounds like a solid motor. My mechanic cleared the check engine light, but when the check gauges light turns on the engine light is back. Can someone please tell me if there is anyway to increase pressure? Or if this engine will last much longer. The last owner did not change the oil too often so I am wondering if the bearings are shot or if there is alot of sludge. Please help.

 

What brand of oil filter do you have on it. If you have the 4.0 a crappy filter can cause low oil pressure. You want to run something like a Mopar, Napa Gold, or a Wix filter or another high quality filter. Stay away from Fram and other low grade filters.

 

first check your oil pressure with a mechanical gauge. report back with that information.

 

Wow another 2000 with low oil pressure! Google this and you will find this is not all that uncommon for years 2000 & 2001 4.0s.
If it makes you feel better my 2000 has had low pressure since I got it almost 4 years ago and it has accumulated 40 k miles without a problem. Thicker oil will not help raise the pressure but I run 15-40 diesel oil (Walmart Supertech) NO ADDITIVES! IMO drive it until engine talks to you.