Check engine light= low oil psi?

[BronKitis]

I probably know the answer to this question, but figured I'd ask anyway...88' BII with 2.9 has check engine light and the crazy valvetrain tick. Question: No oil pressure gauge on truck so I imagine it would be an idiot light IF there were no oil pressure, right? So, on my rig, would that light be the generic check engine light or would it be the universal oil can thingy ma bob light? It's late and I'm pondering...

Also... Been reading that most peoples 2.9's tick after highway speeds... Mine starts to tick when up to temp at idle, gets real loud after running in the trails a while and seems to quiet down after I ream the throttle a few times with the clutch in.... Oil pump? Manual gauge to be installed this weekend. Just wanted all of your professional opinions... Thanks.

 

[RonD]

The oil pressure isn't monitored by the OBD system, so no, low oil pressure wouldn't cause a CEL.
Yes, when you turn on the key and do not start the engine you should see an "oil light"(idiot light) come on, if not then bulb is burnt out.
Oil Pressure does not use a sender any more, it is now an oil switch, above 5psi oil pressure causes the oil light to go out.
If you add a "real" gauge you need a "real" sender as well.

Yes the 2.9l has a valve train oiling issue as it aged, as cam bearings wear the oil pressure drops quit a bit in the valve train, so probably not oil pump issue.

Good read here about that loss of pressure:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_9_Page.html

 

[BronKitis]

I knew that... Lol! Rusty wheels in the head last night. Thanks for clarification Ron. Nice to have an answer that didn't make me feel like a complete loser for asking! I've read that 2.9 tech write up and it is indeed a good read. The tick just annoys me to no end... Motor has 92K on it and the previous owner did lifters and a valve grind and some other stuff. Wish HE had read that before tearing the motor apart.

 

[adsm08]

Another thing to check. Be sure it isn't an exhaust leak. Cracked or warped manifolds that are leaking just a little can sound a lot like lifters and be easily mistaken for them when listening outside because the manifolds and the lifters are on the same level.