[HilhavenFarm]

I just purchased a 1987 F250 6.9. My first diesel. The oil pressure gauge is bouncing between low end and middle of normal range. I have changed air filter/ and oil/oil filter(Motorcraft) using Rotella 15w-40. The intake and bolt to air cleaner were not covered in oil, but we plan to address CDR valve next. I have read other post which talk about poor readings for stock gauges. Any suggestions on a good set up and/ or repairs to insure I am getting good readings.:ford:

Thanks

 

[chuckster57]

Welcome to the Diesel Stop

The factory dash gauges are a joke to say the least. If you want to monitor your oil pressure then you can put in a mechanical or electrical gauge. The factory sender is in the top of the block in the middle at the back.
At operating temp the oil pressure for the IDI's is about 12 PSI @ idle and about 40 at higway RPM's. These engines are lubricated by VOLUME not pressure.

Your choice to tee or just replace the sender. My truck is turbo and I have a tee to watch (HaHa) the factory gauge sit and an aftermarket gauge on my pillar to see what is really going on.

 

[HilhavenFarm]

Thanks. I will follow up and search out a gauge set up. I guess I shouldn't worry about oil pressure being low since truck is running fine ? It has been well maintained and has 153,400 miles.

Thanks for info. I hope to make this truck last a long time.















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[cdnsarguy]

The older dashes had an IVR (instrument voltage regulator) it is a small silver box attached to the rear of the cluster. It is there to regulate instrument voltage..... they are cheap. It may be wise to replace yours...........

 

[HilhavenFarm]

Instrument Voltage Regulator

:ford:Thanks to all for helping a Newbie to diesel ownership. Do you have to remove dash to change IVR you talk about? Is there a recommended service manual (Chilton/Haynes) that is best for instruction on DIY maintenance? I have always be into Volkswagens and the Bentley manual is the must have for work.

 

[drinkypoo]

You shouldn't have to pull the dash to remove the cluster. I don't have a manual for pre-92 interior but for most vehicles of any sort you remove a bezel and then there's about four screws holding it in.

 

[TXimport]

I just picked up an Auto Meter oil pressure guage from O'Rielly's website under clearance section $60 value for $14.97. It is mechanical so you have to run a oil line from guage to engine. I started a new thread http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/f30/oil-pressure-guage-288120/ on the 7.3 IDI (non powerstroke) side asking about this.