1998 Dodge Intrepid Logo
Posted on May 27, 2009
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Oil Pressure Suddenly Reading in High and Low Ranges

2000 Dodge Ram 4X4, 5.2L
Oil pressure has remained relatively close to mid range 40 psi on gage regardless of engine temp and engine rpm speed. However, after an oil and filter change using same product for several years (Castrol Synthetic 10w30 with Frame P16 Filter) during cold start oil pressure will rise to mid range 40 psi, holds for a moment, and then jumps up into the high end of normal range. After 5 to 10 min warm up the pressure gradually drops back to mid range 40 psi. At speed, oil pressure will rise towards the high end of the normal range when heavy on the pedal than settles back close to mid range 40 psi and when slowing or coasting, pressure will fall significantly below mid range. Thinking I possibly had a defective oil filter I replaced the filter with a high end brand that resulted in no change of symptoms. Also noted there was little oil spillage as if there was a restriction of oil getting to the filter so I’m reluctant to think this a defective pressure sending unit. Could symptoms be the result of a restricted pick-up screen or deposits clogging oil passages or possible bad oil pump bypass valve?

  • Michael Warwick Jun 07, 2013

    THIS IS NOWHERE RELATED TO MY PROBLEM

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1 Answer

Marvin

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  • Dodge Master 85,242 Answers
  • Posted on May 27, 2009
Marvin
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Joined: Jun 20, 2008
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Either the oil pressure sender is defective or the pressure relief ball valve in the oil pump is sticking, my money would be on the oil pump pressure relief valve ball sticking.

1 Related Answer

emissionwiz

Marvin

  • 85242 Answers
  • Posted on May 29, 2009

SOURCE: Sudden High and Low Oil Pressures

yes it might work if u flush it, give it a try

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Sudden High and Low Oil Pressures

yes it might work if u flush it, give it a try
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