Oil sensor?

[Kevguero]

Hey all! Not sure if I'm having an oil sensor or oil gauge problem. When I start my truck, the gauge reads about normal. After a while it slowly drops to Low. Any thoughts on what it might be?

 

[Fellro]

Only way to be sure is to get a mechanical gauge on it and verify. It could be that you have excessive clearances that once the oil warms up shows to be an issue when the oil thins down from being heated.

 

[fatherdoug]

This is also a common issue with the 400 engine.

 

[DNFXDLI]

I'm guessing what Roger said, I've seen it before on my own trucks.

 

[Ozzie]

If your engine oil is thin for your environment's temperature range, try something a bit more viscous.

 

[Kevguero]

Thanks guys, I'll try to get a mechanical gauge on it soon. What weight of oil do you all typically run? I'm in the Pacific Northwest and am using 10W30 high mileage. Should I switch?

 

[fatherdoug]

I use 10W-30.

 

[Ozzie]

I use 15W-40, but the summers here are hotter.

 

[Kevguero]

Quick update. Found out it was the oil sending unit. Went ahead and had my mechanic fix it, no extra time with a new job.

 

[fatherdoug]

Thank you for posting the solution to the problem.

 

[Kevguero]

Update #2. Even though the sending unit is fixed, looks like the gauge is on it's last leg. Time to hunt down a new one or hook up an after market one.