Could use some advice.

The other nite driving home I noticed the oil pressure gauge was at 0. Everything ran and sounded normal (sorta sounds bad all the time!)

Got home, checked to make sure the wire to the pressure sender wasn't broken and everything looked fine. Started it up and pressure was normal again.
Ran several errands and no problem.
Next morning start it up and gauge was 0 again!
Replaced the sender. Gauge showed normal again last night but 0 again this morning! Added a half quart of 20/50 and pressure has shown normal since.

Again this morning, gauge shows 0. Drove a short distance shut it off. Checked oil and it was fine. Didn't smell bad either. Started back up and oil pressure shows normal again.

Last oil change was last spring. Used 10/30 OReilly brand conventional along with the Lucas additive. Goes through oil fairly regular so it kinda gets a continuous oil change!

I'm currently at 215k miles on the OD!! (Never thought it'd make it this long!!)

Planning to do a complete oil change Saturday. But also wanted to get thoughts on; if it's a problem to use 20/50 in these colder months (middle tn). And also should I still add the Lucas additive along with it?

Any other secret formulas that you'd recommend to keep this thing running a lil while longer??

'preciate any advice y'all can offer.

 

What Lucas additive are you putting in? Also what kind of oil filter are you running? 20w-50 might be too thick for cold starts

The sending units can act a little weird, the only real way to check is to hook up a mechanical gauge with it running and see what it really at.

Hot idle should be 13psi or greater I believe.

 

It's an oil additive. Can't remember the exact name. Comes out like molasses. I was adding it during warmer weather months to the 10/30.

A mechanical gauge would be ideal.

I appreciate the help.

 

I'll also add that there has not been any "check engine" light eluminated at any time.

 

Oil pressure does not trigger any CEL on these engines, just the Check Gauges light on the dash (if equipped, no idea if the OBD-I models have 'em)

Pop by a parts store and see if they have a rental/loaner oil pressure gauge. Actual 0 PSI oil pressure is quite audible - so you're not really losing pressure. Also falts that legitimately cause that to happen are not intermittent.

And run engine oil... 20w50 has no place in these things outside of the desert... and Lucas Oil Stabilizer (that nutritionally devoid yellow molasses) has no place in any automotive engine period.

 

Thanks Salad.
I'll see what the pressure gauge indicates.

 

Probably fine lol. I imagine a wire is broken in the harness

 

I hope so.
The thing has always sounded like a diesel powered, industrial sewing machine since I got it about 6 years ago!
But it keeps on keepin' on!!

 

Put some Rotella T3 in it. A lighter weight of course.

Use a Wix oil filter.

 

Mine started doing funny stuff like that. I figured the sending unit was going bad again. I had cleaned it a few times and it seemed to be fine. Until the pressure went to 0 and I kept driving. It started knocking before I got home. The engine is out now for rebuild.

I would either put a mechanical gauge on it to be sure the pump is making pressure or go ahead and change the pump.