Oil Gauge

[Rdcook2010]

i have a 1994 Chevy c 1500 with a 350 engine. I noticed the other day that it isnt shifting correctly and the oil gauge dips down to bout 5 at idle but will go back up to 35-40 when driving. It isnt overheating just put new radiator and thermostat in it. What do yall think could be the cause of the oil n lose of power??

[Jsdirt]

Your talking about 2 separate issues: If you've got transmission problems, that would certainly cause a loss of power. Engine oil pressure has nothing to do with that, but that could be an entirely different problem in and of itself, if indeed the pressure is low. If the engine doesn't rap at idle, I wouldn't worry too much about the oil pressure - those gauges weren't the most accurate when new ... and now it's 18 years old. I'd throw a real gauge on there just to be sure. Wouldn't be out of the ordinary to have that engine worn out at 18 years.

 

For starters, make sure you've got plenty of fluid in that tranny. Should be in the crosshatch area of the dipstick, HOT, & at idle. Make sure the TV cable ("kickdown" cable) is still hooked up to the throttle body, & adjusted properly.