QuestionIs the gauge bad, or is the oil pump?
A light comes on and says "Check Gauge," and the gauge goes down to about 10 ilbs.
I have been searching for recalls and such for a while, so please help!
AnswerHello Jetro,
88 is kinda late for any recalls, but I haven't heard of any over the years for that.
I doubt it is the gauge, since the light isn't dependent on what the gauge says, but it could be the sender.
It is possible it is the oil pump, but a new oil pump won't maintain pressure if the cause of the loss of pressure is wear, which means excess clearance in bearings, which means more room for the oil to escape.
The very best way to make sure, is remove the sender, and screw a mechanical gauge in, and see exactly what the pressure is.
If it is low, just adding some STP oil treatment, or switching to a different oil might cure the symptom for a while.
If you find the pressure is indeed low, and decide to replace the pump, then for sure, while the oil pan is off, get some plastigauge, and check the rod and main bearing clearances. If the bearings are worn, but no appreciable damage to the crankshaft, just replacing the worn bearings might bring the pressure back up, and give you many more years of troublefree service.
I'd be surprised if you didn't also use some oil due to the intake valve guide seals drying up and breaking. Maybe a good puff of smoke every time you start it after it sits a little while?
But that won't have any effect on the oil pressure.
Van
