84SD oil pressure guage question

[Clemson88]

A few weeks ago I notice the needle was vibrating except when it's pegged out at 3 bars.

Now the thing says I've got 3 bar after sitting dormant for two days. I started the engine and removed the oil cap on the valve cover to see if it was really pumping oil. I drove it a short distance then cut the engine to see if the false reading changed. It jumps to 3 bars as soon as the ignition is turned on.

Has anyone ever seen an oil pressure sending unit fail and cause this problem?

[vtmbz]

Sending units work by varying the ground connection, so I'd guess you have a bare wire between the sending unit and the gauge.

[Clemson88]

Originally Posted by vtmbz

Sending units work by varying the ground connection, so I'd guess you have a bare wire between the sending unit and the gauge.

That makes perfect sense and the degrading of a wire could be the source of a dodgy needle.

Thanks, I'll check it out tomorrow.

[SD Blue]

First, check the sending unit terminal to make sure it is clean and tight. It may even be bent and touching the housing.