Quote:
Originally Posted by Shortsguy1
Once in a rare while, I would notice when I got into the car (no yet running) that there was a pressure indicated on the gauge. When I hit the starter, the pressure would drop to 0 very briefly, and then peg a few seconds later. If you get an indicated pressure when the car isn't running, does this suggest the sender or the gauge is more likely to blame?
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Any reading before the key is turned on can be ignored but, if you turn the key to on and the motor isn't running, the needle should show 0.
A test gauge is the only real way to make sure you have enough oil pressure.
If you have a service manual, there may be a pressure to resistance chart. Use these values to test the in car gauge by putting resistors across the wire.
If the oil pressure regulator is stuck part way open or the spring has broken , there will be a drop in oil pressure.
A complete loss of oil pressure is a bigger deal then a drop ,so you are probably still OK as to motor condition.