'88 D-250 oil pressure gauge

[jetes]

Hi folks. '88 D-250 with the 318 TBI, 127K. Engine runs great but occasionally, the oil pressure gauge drops to nearly the bottom of the gauge. The oil pressure light does not come on (but it does work because I see it flash briefly on startup) so I do not believe that oil pressure is dangerously low. Most of the time, the gauge is at 1/2 to 3/4. The engine runs smoothly when it does this but the gauge bothers me when it indicates such low pressure. Should I be worried?

Thanks.

Mark in Everett, Washington, USA

[zerko]

The best thing to do, is get a mechanical or electrical aftermarket guage that has actual readings on it. Dodges run minimum 6PSI curb idle. Typically, mine is 60PSI cold start, and 10-20PSI at operating temp. Unfortunatly, the stock guage isn't very responsive at all. Here is a pic of my set up:

[jetes]

Thanks Zerko. Nice setup you have there. Some questions if you do not mind.

Is your gauge electric?
If it is, are you using the stock sender?
Where is the sender located on the 318 engine?

Thanks again!

- Mark

[B-300]

Sorry to take cuts.
The stock sender is at the rear of the engine, just under the distributor on a 318. I think Zerko's oil pressure gauge is mechanical.. It has a 270* which is typical of mechanical gauges. Most electrical gauges have a 90* sweep.
--B-300--

[mrhite65]

I have pretty much the same setup. Mine is mechanical oil and water temp gauge.

[jetes]

Thanks to all who replied for the good info and the pics.

Question: Is that gauge panel something that I can buy somewhere or is it something that you custom fit? It looks a lot better than the "message center"!!

thanks again.

- Mark

[88D250]

I have been thinking of adding gauges and thanks for the location ideas. Ours has nothing there, except it was where, if we didn't have an el cheapo model it would of had an information center. Thanks guys

[mrhite65]

On mine the panel was already there. I just cut out the holes and popped the gauges in. I plan on putting 2 more gauges in a 2 gauge inclosed cluster below my ash tray

[dodgedog91]

I've had several Dodge trucks and an Chebby S-10 that did the same thing with the oil pressure. In all cases, the sender was bad. Replacing the sender took care of the problem. But, I sometimes wonder if the aftermarket gauges aren't a better way to go!

[zerko]

Sorry friends, haven't been on in a while! My gauges are mechanical, and I had to remove the Message Center. The Dodge factory manual says 318/360 will be around 6PSI oil pressure, warm, curb idle. Aftermarket gauges are the way to go! Mrhite65, Your setup looks mint! Word of caution: if you use a mechanical oil pressure gauge, make sure to wrap the hose in something. My buddy's Phord took fire under the dash from the hose rubbing through, and spewing oil on the fuse panel!

[mrhite65]

Thank you and I will do that!

[B-300]

The nylon tubing that comes with many gauges and install kits will only take about 100psi. My one on my brothers' van blew out about 6 months ago. It makes 100psi on cold start and drops back to about 70 when warm. It has a high volume oil pump and tight (new engine).
--B-300--