93 Dakota Oil Pressure

[JpMASTA]

Since couple of weeks, my oil pressure gauge is going down to zero, right after it's going up in the middle, going back down,up,down... I guess it depends of time because sometimes it is staying at a normal pressure..

I dont know if anybody can help me with this little problem, can it be only a defectuous gauge ?

Thanks

[rhandwor]

I would use a manual gage and check the pressure. The link is a picture of one. http://www.autopart.com/tools/toolsmain/tool/T_2001.htm If it is low first mark and pull the distributor. Some used a plastic gear if the gear is bad replace. Next pull the pan and clean the strainer. You may have worn bearings.

[REED FRANKLIN]

Dakotas 3.9 Have Hot Spots In The Head , [ Thin Spots In Casting ] This Causes The Oil To Over Heat And Gell , Stoping Up The Oil Returns To The Pan , All Your Oil Is Pumped To The Top In The Valve Covers And Cant Get Back To The Pan To The Oil Pump, Change Oil Often , Look At Oil Cap If Rust And Slug Is On It , Thats Your Problem , If You Have Over 70.000 Miles Dont Use A Motor Flush , Rods Will Knock At Start Up. New Pcv Valve Every Year , Pure Syn-oil Will Help But It Is Costly , You Can Unplug The Pcv Valve , This Will Let The Oil Drain Back Faster , If This Does It , It"s Slugt In Motor, Change Oil Often ,