since i have owned the jeep, the oil pressure gauge has had this issue where it bumps up to the 0 line when you start the jeep, but seems to get stuck there. you tap the gas a little, and it jumps right up to 40 (on a cold start). and usually it would work fine for the rest of the drive. this only happened when you would start it. i replaced the sending unit thinking that was going bad but it has made no difference. Now it stays on 0 with "check gauges" lit up all the time. Engine does not sound any different, no knocking. it DID overheat today on my 20 minute drive, but only overheating when idling at lights. it has a brand new radiator, water pump, and thermostat (which is why this scared me). checked the oil level, was a little low, so went and had an oil change done (it was due anyway).

Any ideas what this could be?

any help is greatly appreciated. don't wanna torch my engine

 

Yeah, you don't wanna torch it.

What brand of oil filter are you using? Year of Cherokee?

How hot did it indicate on the temp gauge?

 

not sure what brand of oil filter, but i just had it changed today and made no difference.
it's a 1998 cherokee sport 4wd.
temp reached around 230-240

 

Best thing to do is have the oil pressure checked with a manual gauge. these can be rented from most parts stores. Start there.

Why was it getting hot at idle?

Probably bad fan clutch.

 

thats what i'm hoping, thought maybe oil pump going bad? faulty replacement sending unit?

 

Only one way to find out.

 

yeah, my father in law has a manual gauge, that was my next step.