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I have a 1999 Dodge Ram, V-8, 5.2L, manual Transmission, ...

Sent to Car Experts March 09 03:29 PM

I have a 1999 Dodge Ram, V-8, 5.2L, manual Transmission, 92K miles. I am having a problem with the oil pressure, it goes to zero when I am pulling something. It does not happen all the time and can be cleared by pulling over, letting it set for just a little while and than starting it again. It will than be ok for a while or it may just go to zero again after a few miles. I have no problem with the oil pressure when not pulling, it stays steady all the time, no fluctuations or anything. Does anyone know what could be causing this? Thanks

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
March 10 12:12 AM (8 hours and 42 minutes and 51 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
oil pressure on any 5.2l engine will drop very low when the engine is warm. specs call for 8psi minimum. if gauge drops to zero hook a manual oil pressure gauge to engine by removing oil pressure sending unit and accesing thru this hole. if oil pressure checks outok sending unit is the most likely cause. if oil pressure still drops to zero the most likely cause is either a plugges oil pickup screen or a worn out oil pump.
1 Other Expert Agrees with this!
kelly -- Auto Mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 20 Car Accepts
10 years of jeep dealership experience
Reply
March 10 3:43 PM (15 hours and 31 minutes and 31 seconds later)
         
Reply to kelly's Post: So this will help determine if it is the oil sensing unit? Cause when the oil pressure drops to 0 the motor starts clicking, is that the same?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 10 9:42 PM (5 hours and 58 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
if the engine starts to click that is almost definately a sign of low oil pressure. you could try to run a thicker oil but i dont recomend it. check the oil pressure manually or replace the sending unit (about 35$). the sender is located next to the distributor cap on the back of the engine. the oil pump is very difficult to get out. you need to remove the oil pan and this is no easy task.(i think a shop would charge about 5-7hrs labor.)
kelly -- Auto Mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 20 Car Accepts
10 years of jeep dealership experience
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