QuestionQUESTION: I'm looking to buy a 2000 Dodge dakota with a 3.9L V6, but the oil pressure gauge is reading high. Around 85-90. What could cause this and how can I fix it?
ANSWER: Hi Joseph,
At what rpm was that pressure read? It can be acceptable at up to 80 psi level if it was at 3,000 rpm. So there may be nothing wrong. Or there may be too high a 'weight' of oil in it which artificially raises the pressure, so ask the owner about that possibility. The recommended grade is 10w-30.
Or the gauge on the cluster could be inaccurate.
I would suggest removing the oil pressure sender unit and put in its place an oil pressure gauge that is of known accuracy. See if that agrees or not with the cluster. A shop can do that inexpensively.
Please read the PS below and respond.
Thanks,
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: It was at idle not long after it warmed up. I have yet to test drive it so I'm not sure what the "cruising" reading is. Come to think about it, I may have just revved the engine to about 3000 rpm. Would just revving of the engine cause it?
AnswerHi Joseph,
Yes, the oil pressure is very responsive to the rpm changes. So see what it reads at 3,000 rpm while you are driving it, for best accuracy, which should be 30 to 80. At idle it should be 6 psi or more.
Thanks for the rating. Would you consider doing that again, but this time also click 'yes' where you see the question about a nomination for me to be 'volunteer of the month'?
Thanks,
Roland
