fluctuating oil pressure

[Hobbes]

I have a 1998 Jeep Wrangler with a 6 cylinder. Yesterday the oil pressure gauge started fluctuating like crazy when I was driving to work. It lost pressure at idle and went back up when I hit the gas. That is the only time it has ever happened.

Any gear heads out there? Is my oil pressure pump beginning a slide into failure? I am going to change the oil and filter this afternoon.

 

[accuratehorn]

Many possibilities-is the oil level low?
The engine may be worn enough to have low oil pressure at idle, then it rises when the engine speed increases.
Many oil pumps are replaced to try to cure this condition when it is more often the bearings in the engine that are bad.
I don't know what typically goes out on Jeeps, but this is not a good sign.

 

[Hobbes]

The oil is not low. I have done a little research and it appears that Chrysler built a real crapper of an oil pump that is used in the Wrangler.

I am not a mechanic and don't pretend to be but this worries me.

 

[accuratehorn]

Probably cheaper than most of the alternatives. If you know they tend to have oil pump problems, get one put on.

 

[96 Buff]

Could it simply be a bad guage and/or guage connection? How would you test that?

 

[minivette_horn]

If you think your oil pump is going bad... DON'T DRIVE IT!! if it fails you now own a nice boat anchor of a motor.

 

[ArrogantAssclown]

I had an old Grand Prix that all the sudden gave a obviously bad oil pressure reading, the dealer just replaced a cellinoid? and the problem was fixed. That might be long gone technology because the car was an 83 model.

 

[pevodog]

I would have the sending unit changed before you change the oil pump. They screw in the oil pan around the filter,on my truck. it is what takes the measurement for the oil gauge. Just went through the same thing.

 

[sapo1495]

yeah, try the sending unit first- I replace an oil pump on a land rover only to find out it probably wasn't the culprit.

 

[Crusher X]

Same type of thing happens on my 2000 Mazda B2500 pickup truck. After several hours of sitting (such as overnight), when I start the vehicle, the oil pressure gauge stays down for several minutes (with occasional swings) until it finally stays at a normal reading. I guess it needs to "warm up". Is it the oil pump? Is it a faulty wiring? Is the gauge plugged? Can Jiffy Lube fix it? Or will I have to take it to the Mazda dealership?

 

[accuratehorn]

Most gauges are electronic. THey have a sending unit that can fail, and it usually pretty cheap, although some cars have it located in a place that is hard to get to. This could be the cause of the light coming on, but you do not want to take a chance on blowing your expensive engine, so check into this right away.

 

[mitcha]

Did you get the oil pressure problem fixed? If so what was the
cure?

 

[Hobbes]

no problems, Jeeps are like this? It's what the dealership said, anyway. I changed the oil and it's stabilizzed a bit. I can probably change the sending unit, but probably not necessary. It is apparently common in Jeeps and not a big issue.

Yes, I realize the engine is at stake. If something does happen it will give me reason to drop a 5.0 in there.