I just motored from Jacksonville Fl to Brunswick Ga. My new Walter V drive runs great but I am having a problem with my engine. Oil pressure starts out at 60 psi after it warms up it drops to 10 psi. And the gauge needle starts bouncing I thought it may be the sending unit so I installed a mechanical
Gauge and it is the same, the needle does not hold steady. Does any one know what may be causing this?
That's a new one on me.
How old is your oil and what viscosity are you using?
The only other thing I can think of is that the oil line to the steel block where your sender screws in might be getting blocked with sludge.
Oil press does normally drop a little with warm oil, but not that much.
Jumping needle at the bottom of the gauge is generally when you are out of oil but I assume you checked your dip stick carefully.
The oil pump itself is pretty much bullet proof.
Sounds like low oil level at the pick up in the pan after the engine has been running (highest level in the pan will be before start). There might be a plug (sludge) in the pickup. Might not be a pump problem since you do get good pressure early.
Maybe try simply things first- change oil & filter. Auto parts stores sell various 'cleaners or flushes' to reduce sludge.
The answer is, the oil and filter are new, the Wt. is 15/40 and it is topped off. Since i posted that I have motored 1000 miles so if had no oil pressure my engine would be toast now. it must just be a bad sender or gauge. Thanks
I would start by monitoring the 12VDC supply to the gauge. Clip on right at stud on the gauge. Ground the voltmeter to the engine block too.