HELP!

[Torque Junkie]

I think my oil pump is finally biting the big one, but I'm not sure.

 

I think it's been the cause of my timing problems (retarding as oil pressure is higher - more advance as oil pressure is lower), and recently it's started whining/howling. It almost sounds like s screw charger when it's really cold (as in -10degF) like it has been the last couple days. Also my pressure is fluctuating.. holding around 30, up to 60, down to 0, 30, 0, 60, 30, 60, 0, etc.

 

Could this be anything else causing this. I have no reason to belive it's the gauge grounding/opening out.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

-Mike

[Shaners]

I think that I would look at the oil sending unit first. You may just have a loose or dirty connection.

 

The whine/howl could be coming from the power steering pump or the alternator.

[MN Z-71]

I would definitely replace the oil pressure sending unit or install a mechanical gauge. Oil pressure fluctuations like you describe are generally not caused by a faulty pump. I also have never experienced timing issues related to the oil pump either. In my experience they just wear out and will not pump as strong as before resulting in a gradual loss of oil pressure.

 

Whine/howl could be from any engine driven accessory. I just replaced the power steering pump on my truck. It whined and howled for several days, worse when it was cold. Soon after I started to hear a knocking sound at idle, put my hand on the pump reservoir while it was running and I could feel the knocking.

 

Replaced it and all is well.