so i was just driving my car and realized my oil pressure gauge was only reading about 15psi at 45mph. When i slowed down pulling into my driveway it dropped to zero. when i revved it up it went back up to 15. Im hopeing the gauge is just bad so i was wondering where is the easiest place to hook up a mechanical oil gauge? Im really hopeing it isnt the oil pump.

 

i think theres a outlet above the oil filter. are the rockers rattling at an idle?

 

The pressure switch for your gauge is located above the oil filter boss. You could tee off there to add a mechanical line, or replace the switch altogether for a mechanical gauge. There's a chance that the pressure switch is bad, they do go out. I would try that first, unless you're married to the idea of having a mechanical gauge. There is also a square plug in the block behind the intake manifold for an oil pressure tap, but it's a beech to get to. You would need to use a ratchet with a square plumbing plug socket, there's no swinging room for a wrench.

 

Im gonna try replaceing the switch tomorrow hopefully it will improve or i guess i'll be buyin an oil pump, thanks for lettin me know where the switch is to ive been tryin to figure that out lol

 

I would replace the sending unit first, its around 15$. I know there are two locations, but mine was behind the distributor......If you replace it and check with a mechanical gauge and you are still at 15psi, I doubt its the oil pump. Those gear drives can take a lot of abuse before they decrease flow. It may be bearing clearance issues, especially if its an old stocker.

 

I had a 91, and from your user name I take it that's what you have too. The switch (sending unit) is by the oil filter, and I found it to be better to get at from under the car. You'll also have an easier time with it if you use a sending unit socket.

 

well im pretty sure its the oil pressure sender. i bought a new one, but i didnt get it replaced cause it started raining and its kinda hard to get to without ramps or a jack. anyway i did get it unplugged revealing the electric plug was soaked in oil. its like the old one busted or something but im pretty sure thats my problem. now i dont know if i should reuse the plug though since its soaked in oil so i may have to cut one off another car and splice it in

 

spray it with some electrical cleaner and let it dry, should be fine.

 

Yeah, it'll be fine if you clean off the plug. Oil in the plug, provided it didn't run off from the engine, is a sure sign the switch went bad and leaked.

 

if that doesnt fix it, what weight oil are you using, and how many miles are on the car? if the pressure is still low, go up one weight and see how it is