possible oil pump ?

elcaliente · #1 01-02-2011, 10:50 PM

1998 ranger 4x4 5speed 181000 mi. vehicle is new to me checked this truck out with a loud muffler so didnt hear this until i quieted her down with a new one. hear a crackling noise when i start her cold, comming from the lower passenger side just for a second or two. as i start her i watch the oil pressure gauge and it hesitates for that amount of time then jumps to 40 psi and stays there steady, does not make a sound when shes warm, only cold. running 5w 30 in her right now, penzoil conventional and yes its cold outside, about 20 degrees any thoughts would be appreciated, by the way i have a feeling the engine thats in her right now is a sub from salvage. junkyard writting 04/05/40mi and if so i figure its got around 110,000 mi on the engine.

Thanx Tony

terryduanemiller · #2 01-02-2011, 11:06 PM

try oil change with a good filter, cheap filters can cause dry starts

elcaliente · #3 01-03-2011, 06:38 AM

Motorcraft filter on all my fords ( i have three)

Fordzilla80 · #4 01-03-2011, 07:47 AM

Rangers are known for flaky oil pressure readings at higher mileage. Could be a sending unit problem.

elcaliente · #5 01-03-2011, 11:10 AM

dunno? just changed the oil once more (after 1000 miles) and same noise occured, pressure stays steady mid gauge i guess when the weather warms up a little itll be time to remove the oil pan and find out. anyway is there a way i can test to see if it is the sending unit? or should i just replace it.

Fordzilla80 · #6 01-03-2011, 11:18 AM

I don't know how Rangers are, but the oil pressure sending unit on the older trucks is external. You may have a bad connection on the sending unit itself, in which the cold weather just makes it worse. It could be quite a few things.

elcaliente · #7 01-03-2011, 11:25 AM

thanx for your imput will keep investigating and foward my findings.

Tony

Fordzilla80 · #8 01-03-2011, 11:30 AM

No problem man. Good luck!