oil pressure issue

[Baby Raptor]

Okay, first off, j haven't researched this yet, I am as soon as I posted this, I figured it wouldn't hurt to do it..

Alright, so my '93 ranger has an issue..the oil pressure gauge drops to 0 when my engine is warmed up and my rpms are bellow 1500. This is the only time it happens...

My buddies and I got it narrowed down to either the sensor is faulty, the hose/pump is clogged or my cambearing are about to go..


Anybody have a clue What it could really be?

 

[RonD]

Ford uses an oil pressure "switch", less than 7psi = off, above 7psi = on

That's why a Ford oil pressure gauge doesn't vary from cold/hot oil or low/high RPM.

If engine doesn't "tick" when gauge is at 0 then yes, replace the "sender", if your engine does show signs of low pressure then check filter first.

There is a conversion you can do to make a Ford gauge a real time oil pressure gauge.
It involves jumping a resistor on the backside of the dash and installing a real sending unit, vs a factory switch unit.

Google: ford oil pressure conversion

 

[Baby Raptor]

Okay, thanks....there is no ticking and I have replaced the filter and did a full oil change ...so j should replace the sender? The oil pressure sensor is brand new from when I rebuilt the engine from the block up, about a month ago

 

[RonD]

With no ticking oil pressure should be fine.

If switch(sender) is new I would check the wire, I believe it is a white/red wire.
Remove connector from switch and ground this wire with a jumper wire.
Turn on key, but don't start engine, oil gauge should go up and read "normal", remove jumper wire and gauge should go back to 0.
If this happens wire is good, switch is bad or the wrong one, since it is new.

If you can get to it safely with engine running you can check the switch with an OHM meter, with engine off you should have infinity OHMs(no connection) from switch connection to ground.
With engine on, and oil pressure, you should have 0 OHMs(direct connection)

Never use teflon tape on any 1 wire sensors, 1 wire means the threads are the ground, teflon tape can prevent a good ground.
Most 1 wire sensors come with sealant tape on the upper threads, lower threads are left bare to get a good ground.

 

[Baby Raptor]

Alright thanks....this should be fun, since the switch is way down in the back of the engine haha.