Gaskets and leaks do not effect oil pressure. If the oil level is full, low oil pressure is caused by excessive clearance in the rod bearings, cam bearings, and main bearings. oil pumps do not make pressure, they just make the oil flow. The tight clearances between the bearings and crank and cam journals act as a restriction and those restrictions make pressure. So don't blame the oil pump for low oil pressure until you measure the bearing clearances.

 

Like I said I'm not sure and I blamed the leak due to needing four quarts daily

 

Ok so i the sort of problem.. i have a 2001 cherokee my oil pressure light will come on when im sitting at an idle i give it gas the the needle goes up and back to normal reading.. it has been kinda a on and off deal. but as im pulling into a parking spot at my work today it dies before i get to the spot......... WTF....... I start it back up no problem and park... HELP PLEASE! THIS MY ONLY CAR AND I CANT GET STRANDED LOL

 

Are you using coolant? Check the level in the reservoir. You have a 2001, which has the infamous 0331 cylinder head, which is prone to cracking between cylinders 3-4, due to a casting defect.

The #1 symptom of a cracked 0331 head is "unexplained coolant loss". A cracked head can lead to low oil pressure readings.

Not saying that is what is happening, but you need to keep an eagle eye on your coolant reservoir as long as you own it.

 

My radiator does have a leak and the resevoir is low everytime i check it....

 

Keep in mind that the oil pump DOES NOT create 'pressure'. The oil pump only provides a certain volumn of oil, at a particular rate, to the engine. It is the large/small oil passages in the engine that creates the oil 'pressure'.

Granted, the pickup tube/screen could be clogged preventing the pump from gettin any oil.

x2 on checking the sending unit and/or trying a mechanical gauge before digging farther.

 

Tolerate no leaks.

A small radiator leak can turn into a big leak in a microsecond and then you'll have bigger fish to fry. Replace your radiator. THEN monitor your coolant use. With a leaky radiator, you can't tell whether you're leaking it or if something more is going on.

 

Yea I plan I on replacing the rad. within the week I hope that is the cause of the oil outside pressure.. Kill 2 birds with one stone!

 

Yea I plan on replacing the rad. within the week.. I how that solves the oil pressure prob. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone!