Oil Pressure help

[Shorty Cox]

I’m not sure where to ask this question.

I’ve wanted a small truck to tool around town and to use for those household chores. Well, I just purchased a 1993 Chevy S10 Tahoe pickup with a 4 cylinder/ auto. It is showing 61k on the odometer. I’ve seen the truck around town and know its previous owners and I do believe it is actually 61k and not 161k. It runs and drives great.

Now for my question. The oil pressure gauge “stays pegged out”, showing 80+lb. When not running, it drops some, but not to “0”. When started, it pegs out. I have not had time to investigate yet.

Any thoughts on where to start?
Shorty.

[mongocanfly]

I'd start with changing the sending unit ....

[RustyPile]

It's a bad practice to just guess at the cause of any problem and throw parts at it, hoping you've guessed correctly.. Proper diagnostic procedures will save time and money.. I'd start with checking the oil pressure using a mechanical gauge..

What the gauge reads with the key off is totally meaningless.. The gauge should read "O" with the key on and engine NOT running.. A reading of "O" with the engine not running doesn't necessarily mean there is no problem.. However, if the gauge reads anything besides "O" with key on and engine not running, you definitely have a problem..

[Shorty Cox]

I finally got the opportunity to investigate the issue. The sending unit is broke off the hex-nut base and hanging free. Do you think that could have anything to do with my gauge problem??????? Sending unit fifteen dollars, deep 1 1/16 inch socket to replace it with thirty four dollars.

[mongocanfly]

I wouldnt buy socket for that..parts stores have lone-a-tools for that

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by Shorty Cox

I finally got the opportunity to investigate the issue. The sending unit is broke off the hex-nut base and hanging free. Do you think that could have anything to do with my gauge problem??????? Sending unit fifteen dollars, deep 1 1/16 inch socket to replace it with thirty four dollars.

That probably has everything to do with it.. Replace the broken sending unit, check the oil level, and start the engine.. More than likely the gauge will work properly..

About that $34 socket. I sense some price gouging.. I recently bought one locally, paid $11 for it.. Most "big box" parts stores have a loaner program.. You pay a deposit, usually the cost of a new tool, and they loan you the tool.. Upon returning the tool in good working order, you get your deposit back..

[RustyPile]

I forgot to add... A regular deep socket won't work on a sending unit.. It takes a special socket.. But that doesn't justify a $34 price tag.. The socket I recently bought actually fits two different sized sending units -- 1 1/16" and 1 1/8".. Basically 2 sockets for the $11 cost of only one..