Engine Oil Pressure Takes long time To Read

[oodannyboyoo]

I have a 2001 ford ranger 3.0. I put in a Royal Purple 5w-20 HPS oil and a Royal Purple oil filter within the last month or two and noticed that the oil pressure takes a loooong time to read. Itis sporadic at times and will read 0 at a cold start then jump to normal operating pressure then back to 0 multiple times and the needle wil sometimes shake and be sporadic until the engine gets hot enough and stays at operating pressure. This only happens on a cold start, if the engine is warm it will reach and stay at operating oil pressure. What could be the cause for this? Should I be worried of damage to my engine? Is it a sensor? I hear no abnormal noise and the engine runs great even when its having trouble finding the right oil pressure. It doesnt burn any oil either, its been right near full on my dipstick on a cold engine since ive changed it. Please help, thanks in advance!

 

[txgocartB3000]

It is most likely the oil sensor that is bad.

Common problem.

Ray

 

[oodannyboyoo]

It is most likely the oil sensor that is bad.

Common problem.

Ray

Thanks for your response. Thats what I thought, I never really thought much of this as the engine always runs fine. I mean if there really is no oil pressure for a period of time wouldnt I notice or hear significant engine damage? Like whining or noisy lifters?

 

[RonD]

Ford Rangers use an Oil Pressure Switch, not a sensor.
The dash board gauge only has 3 positions
Key off = below 0
key on = 0
Engine running = just below 1/2

If oil gauge varies with RPM then you have an electrical issue not an oil pressure issue.

Oil pressure switch on engine is open(gauge shows 0) when oil pressure is below 6 psi
Switch is closed(gauge shows 1/2) when oil pressure is above 6 psi

Reads like your switch is going out.

 

[Rearanger]

With all you've done to the truck it's time for a real oil pressure gauge.

 

[adsm08]

With all you've done to the truck it's time for a real oil pressure gauge.

Agreed.

 

[oodannyboyoo]

You guys are right, got a new pressure sender and some turns of a ratchet later it's fixed. I agree, but in waiting on actually having the whole supercharger assembled, from there I do really want to add wideband O2 sensor and oil pressure with of course a boost gauge. Thanks for your help guys!


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