oil pump going?

hey guys -
I'm noticing a lot of variance in the oil pressure through the dash gauge lately. at a constant speed it seems to be normal in the middle, but during accelerations it'll go above normal and at idol it'll be below. all the while it is in the normal range, but i don't remember seeing the needle do this much work and with such a definite deviation.
i am sure that it could be any number of things, but what are your experiences? the oil level is full.
thanks -
dan

Check it with another guage to be sure if you like. But I'd change the pump if it was me.

replace the pump as in rebuild the engine? i am under the impression that to fix the pump you'd have to pull the engine - at least off the mounts. sounds big... your advice is valid, but i am afraid. i am not mechanically confident to purchase an engine stand/use it to detach the engine.

You dont have to pull the motor. Either unbolt the motor mounts and lift the engine up enough the get the oil pan out from between the block and k-member. Or just put the car on jack stands. Support the engine with a hoist or something so that it cannot drop. Unbolt the motor mounts. Carefully with the help of a friend unbolt and lower the k-member. One way or the other you have to pull the oil pan out of the car and its really not that big of a deal. But if you dont think you can do it then let someone else do it. Its good practice to replace of course the oil pan gasket but to relace the front and rear main seals as well.

hmmm... my drain plug does leak unless i rig up an o-ring that inevitably burns and looses its effectiveness. and i've been wanting to replace that pan anyway, but again i though i'd have to pull the motor.

sounds like a fun project that i could stumble through in a day or two. thanks for the help, wish some of you guys lived near by.