• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Oil Pressure Gauge Reading Low?!?

  • Thread starter Thread starter fawcett
  • Start date Start date Jun 14, 2011

fawcett

Member
Sep 10, 2003
380
0
16
Cohasset, Ma
Jun 14, 2011
#1
  • Jun 14, 2011
  • #1
Hey guys I've got an issue thats snowballing into several issues and I could use some advice to organize a plan to keep my Stang healthy and running.

My stock oil pressure gauge is reading low and I am afraid to drive the car. The needle is usually around the "N" in Normal. Sometimes it dips below it but usually thats where it sits. It does fluxuate sometimes but its always lower than I'd like it to be.

I have to be honest, I don't know what the deal is with my oil pump. 6-7 years ago, I bought a new FRPP 340bhp 302 and had it installed by a speed shop thats no longer in business.

I know that the crate motor came with an oil pan for an Explorer, so I had them replace it with one for our cars. I don't know if the pump had to be replaced as well.

Is there a difference between an Explorer and Mustang oil pump on a 302?
(Thats my first big question)

Now, if the oil pump needs to be removed and replaced either the engine needs to come out or the k-member needs to be dropped. Right?
(Thats the second big question)

Because if that is the deal I want to remove the old suspension and replace it with a full k-member kit.
The car's suspension is 100% stock and it needs help. So why not call MM and kill two birds with one stone right?


I'd like to keep my car healthy, your replies and advice will help keep it on the road.
Thank you in advance,
Fawcett
 

1slow95

Founding Member
May 16, 2002
1,797
3
48
ohio
Jun 14, 2011
#2
  • Jun 14, 2011
  • #2
Can't trust the stock gauge. Get an aftermarket gauge for testing at least. I'm having problems with mine too and I'm pretty sure it's the gauge/sending unit. I borrowed a mechanical gauge to test it, just haven't had time to install it yet. Plus it's a pita to get to with the front accessories on.

I can't think of any reason there would be a different oil pump between the Mustang/Explorer. There could be a difference in the pickup tube though.

Changing the oil pump could probably be done with the engine in the car and just lifted up, but it would be much easier with the engine out or k-member dropped.
 

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
20+ Year Stangneter
Jun 14, 2004
9,297
1,641
214
Acworth, GA
Jun 14, 2011
#3
  • Jun 14, 2011
  • #3
The gauge doesn't actually indicate oil pressure, it's a fake gauge. It's an on off switch that tells the needle to come up to a "happy position" when the oil pressure is over 6psi. You need to check the oil pressure with a real gauge to tell if it's low. However, you really don't have anything specifically to suggest a problem, as any fluctuation in the "gauge" is a malfunction in the gauge, not the engine. The only thing you should worry about indication wise is if the gauge points to nothing, which indicates that the engine is below 6psi. Or at least I think it's 6psi, I know it's some rediculously low number.

Kurt
 

VibrantRedGT

"STANGNET'S PENGUIN SMACKER"
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
14,679
424
154
Boca Raton, Florida
Jun 14, 2011
#4
  • Jun 14, 2011
  • #4
The gauge doesn't mean much as long as it's in the normal range could be at the N or the L. I believe the distributor is the trigger for the oil sending unit and gauge. Get a real gauge or like mentioned test it.
 

Dino Dino Bambino

15 Year Member
Jun 13, 2007
1,672
89
79
Cyprus
Jun 14, 2011
#5
  • Jun 14, 2011
  • #5
Just replace the oil pressure gauge sending unit. It screws into the side of the block at the bottom on the driver's side immediately in front of the oil filter adapter and has a single wire electrical connector going to it.
I replaced mine fairly recently when my stock gauge was only going up to between N and O. Now it sits between M and A all the time (hot, cold, idle, and high rpm) as long as the engine's running so there's the proof that it's an idiot gauge.
 

fawcett

Member
Sep 10, 2003
380
0
16
Cohasset, Ma
Jun 15, 2011
#6
  • Jun 15, 2011
  • #6
Thanks guys, you just talked me off a bridge lol. I'm gonna get a gauge, figure out where it is using the pictures in my Haynes manual (hmmm best modification yet?) get a reading and go from there.
I really hope I don't have to sink any crazy money into the engine but if I do its 351W time

Fawcett
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
Weird Voltage & Oil Pressure Gauges
  • PNN
  • May 22, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
51
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech May 22, 2026
PNN
P
Progress Thread Sask84gt's 84 GT - Questions and Progress Thread
  • Sask84gt
  • Oct 13, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
22
Views
597
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 6, 2026
Sask84gt
H
Ongoing Battle With Hydraulic Lifters
  • hailer06
  • Jun 8, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
256
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 9, 2026
Noobz347
B
05 with a 07 4.6 3v motor and transmission low oil pressure and check charging system.
  • biggin
  • Sep 13, 2025
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
105
2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk- Sep 13, 2025
biggin
B
C
98 gt fuel pressure issues
  • chasecollier1984
  • Jun 2, 2026
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
71
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Jun 2, 2026
chasecollier1984
C
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?