Low oil pressure

[james2]

I have a 1985 318. The oil pressure is usually about 60lbs. The pressure has slowly (about an hour) dropped to below 5lbs. The oil looks good and the level is OK. The engine has about 1500 hrs. Any suggestions what to look for?

 

[fastjeff]

First of all, check what the reading actually is with a mechanical gage. (Buy a cheapo oil pressure gage kit at an auto parts store and hook it up temporarily.)

If the your readings are correct, the motor would be knocking like mad by now and the lifters would be clacking away. I suspect you gage OR sender unit is lying to you. Let's hope so!

Jeff

 

[james2]

Jeff- Thanks for the reply. I'll check the sending unit. I hope that's the problem. I'll let you know.

 

[james2]

The problem was fixed with a new sending unit

 

[fastjeff]

Great!

Jeff