I would appreciate opinions you all might have on my very strange oil
pressure problem with my TJ
97TJ
2.5L
4-Speed
A/C
Just had oil change, filter (FRAM PH16), tail pipe/muffler, ac charge,
front disc pads, serpentine belt.
Works fine on short hops. Oil gauge stays on 40 just like always.
After I go about 10 miles, when I some to a stop the oil pressure
drops little by little, but goes right up to 40 when I rev the engine.
Eventually, it will fo down low enough to trigger the oil light but
all I have to do is hit the gas and I'm fine.
Oil level is ok - full, no frothl. No leaks anywhere. I don't know
where the oil pump is so I can't see if it's loose but I'd suspect
that if it was, there'd be oil everywhere. Valve cover cap is on
tight.
The only other new noises or symptoms is:
- Then I start up, the new S belt screeches for about 3 seconds then
quiets down
- There seems to be some kind of a squeak occasionally when I turn,
brake or start up fast. Not real loud but sharp sound. Just one squeak
and it's over.
Since it started right after the maintenance (not Daimler) it almost
has to be related to something that was done. I've gone to the same
shop for 20 years so I know it's not a rip off, but it almost has to
be something that was done there. It almost sounds like there's some
sort of malfunction with the filter that there isn't enough pressure
unless the engine revs are up.
I dunno what is going on, but it's the darndest thing I've ever come
across.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hank
DougW - 17 Apr 2004 04:25 GMT
hankfox did pass the time by typing:
> I would appreciate opinions you all might have on my very strange oil
> pressure problem with my TJ
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> that if it was, there'd be oil everywhere. Valve cover cap is on
> tight.
The pump is in your engine under the distributor in the engine block
above the oil pan. Your not going to see it unless you tear the pan
off. :)
Remove, clean, and reinstall the sensor wire leading to the
oil pressure sender (should be screwed into the oil boss right
by your filter) Least that's where it is on the I6. YMMV
The only sure way to determine you oil pressure is with a mechanical
gauge screwed into that hole. Check the connection first.
40 seems a little low to me. The ZJ runs about 60psi depending on
temerature. But I'm not familiar with the I4
That chirp on acceleration is telling me your belt needs to be
readjusted. New belts stretch after they warm up.

Signature
DougW
David C. Moller - 17 Apr 2004 04:55 GMT
Sending unit maybe? Usually I've seen it either work, or not work, not
that kind of random stuff you're talking about. But it's right by the
oil filter, and easy to bang or disconnect when doing an oil change
(happened to my buddy with his '00 anyway). Just a thought.
Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm
>I would appreciate opinions you all might have on my very strange oil
>pressure problem with my TJ
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
>
>Hank
Steve Grammer - 19 Apr 2004 16:19 GMT
I had a similar problem with my 4.0 6cylinder 97TJ. Had mechanic put
mechanical gage on it and said pressure was "actualy" what it should be...
after putting my sensor back the problem went away. Im betting its your
sensor giving you trouble, wiggle it or even remove it and wipe it down and
replace it and see what ya get. If you remove it, let the engine completely
cool down, better for you, AND the aluminum threads you are turning.
Hope this helps!!
> I would appreciate opinions you all might have on my very strange oil
> pressure problem with my TJ
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
>
> Hank
hankfox - 20 Apr 2004 02:10 GMT
Thanks to all of you who responded. From what you all have said, it's
about 99% the sender. I need to get a couple of hours of sunlight to
go take a look at it. I'll let you know how I make out.
Thanks again - Hank
>I would appreciate opinions you all might have on my very strange oil
>pressure problem with my TJ
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
>
>Hank
rask - 30 Apr 2004 20:55 GMT
Fram filters have been known to cause wierd readings in Jeeps. I'd
suggest switching to a better quality filter (eg. purolator). I bet that
will fix the low readings.
> Just had oil change, filter (FRAM PH16),