ericbphoto
Overlander in development
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Supporting Member
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VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2016
- Messages
- 15,352
- Reaction score
- 16,635
- Points
- 113
- Age
- 59
- Location
- Wellford, SC
- Vehicle Year
- 1993
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger
- Engine Type
- 3.0 V6
- Engine Size
- 3.0L
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
- Total Lift
- 6"
- Tire Size
- 35"
- My credo
- In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Had something interesting happen yesterday. Did some 'wheeling with a friend. Towards the end, (1/4 mile from trailhead) I went up a pretty steep hill. It was about the limit of what the truck can do presently - 75% bald street tires and open diff's. After the steep part, but before things really leveled out, I noticed a noise - faint squeaking and possibly light ticking.
While listening, I looked at gauge cluster and saw oil pressure at 0. So I stopped. At idle, same symptoms. I turned off the engine and checked dipstick - good level. Truck was level at this point. Restarted engine and pressure indication came back. No ticking. Still slight squeaking noise. I think the squeaking may come from A/C compressor pulley bearing. Compressor already unplugged because it locked up a while back.
I understand this truck has "dummy gauge", explaining "all or nothing" reading.
Is it common for this engine to lose oil pressure on steep hills?
Is oil pump pickup at front of engine?
Are there known issues with oil return path at steep angles?
Where is the pressure sensor/sending unit?
I feel like I should probably get a real pressure sensor and gauge to install. I can also check for loose wiring connections. Anything else I should do or check?
Otherwise, I was very pleased with the trucks performance yesterday. This was the first serious wheeling I have done with it and it impressed me on hills, loose gravel/ rocks, large rocks, mud, etc. I am sorry I screwed up with the Go Pro and don't have the videos I thought I shot. My buddy's Tracker was even more impressive but he has good Mud tires and a rear locker.
While listening, I looked at gauge cluster and saw oil pressure at 0. So I stopped. At idle, same symptoms. I turned off the engine and checked dipstick - good level. Truck was level at this point. Restarted engine and pressure indication came back. No ticking. Still slight squeaking noise. I think the squeaking may come from A/C compressor pulley bearing. Compressor already unplugged because it locked up a while back.
I understand this truck has "dummy gauge", explaining "all or nothing" reading.
Is it common for this engine to lose oil pressure on steep hills?
Is oil pump pickup at front of engine?
Are there known issues with oil return path at steep angles?
Where is the pressure sensor/sending unit?
I feel like I should probably get a real pressure sensor and gauge to install. I can also check for loose wiring connections. Anything else I should do or check?
Otherwise, I was very pleased with the trucks performance yesterday. This was the first serious wheeling I have done with it and it impressed me on hills, loose gravel/ rocks, large rocks, mud, etc. I am sorry I screwed up with the Go Pro and don't have the videos I thought I shot. My buddy's Tracker was even more impressive but he has good Mud tires and a rear locker.