no oil pressure!

[slickems]

My '01 4.0 is loosing oil pressure at idol after the engine is warm. anyone have any ideas?

 

[adsm08]

Stop watching Idol? It's a terrible show anyway.


Now, if you are having oil pressure issues at idle I would throw a mechanical gauge on it to see if it's a genuine pressure issue or if it's a sensor issue. If you have a genuine pressure issue, as measured with a mechanical gauge, you have a few options.

I'd start with what's called an "engine flush". Go buy about 5 or 6 quarts of low quality cheap engine oil, diesel fuel/kerosene, or ATF. Add it to the current contents of the engine's crank case, and let it set over night. DO NOT START THE ENGINE LIKE THAT. It will blow up. Next morning drain it all out, add 4 quarts of el-cheapo 5W-30, 1 qt ATF, some SeaFoam if you like, and a fresh el-cheapo brand oil filter. Let her set and idle for 15 or 20 minutes, until she gets warm and then a bit. Then change the oil again with some good stuff. 4 quarts of Castrol or Valvoline 5W-30, 1 quart Lucas Stabilizer and a Motorcraft FL-820.


Your other option is to pull the engine and replace the bearings and oil pump.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Best to check the oil pressure with a true pressure gauge. The instrument cluster gauge is like a on/off switch. Its either "on" (normal) or "off" (low). Never in between or actually telling the truth.

As for the oil flush. Just get a can of oil flush (I prefer B-12 Chemtool or SeaFoam) and follow the instrustions on the bottle. Then change the oil & filter with a cheap grade oil & filter. Drive it for about 100 miles and then change the oil with something you would prefer.