Oil pressure gone

[Don East]

I have a 72 240 I've had since new. My son and I restored it about 15 years ago. I was driving it the other day and the oil pressure gauge went to almost "0". I've checked the gauge by grounding the lead and it worked fine. I've replaced the sender and no readings, or very slight reading. If I take the oil filler cap off and look in, oil is splashing around inside the engine. I changed the oil and filter about 6 weeks ago. The engine runs and sounds fine. Any suggestion on what to look for next?

Thanks Don

[5thhorsemann]

A new oil pump.

[jwtaylor]

I would replace the oil pressure sender before replacing the pump. The senders have a history of giving bad readings.

[cygnusx1]

Screw an analog gauge into the block temporarily and get a REAL reading. You might want to blow some air into the port on the block just in case it got plugged by sludge. I would also do a filter change for the heck of it.

Edited September 25, 2011 by cygnusx1

[SteveJ]

I would go with Dave's suggestion first.

[Arne]

Another thing to look at might be a cracked or otherwise messed up cam spraybar.

[FastWoman]

Having replaced my oil pump once, I wouldn't recommend it. It's a pretty simple and robust design, and I can't imagine it wearing out or breaking. Besides that, it's a bit of a PITA job, at least for one person. I agree with others above. FAIW, the problem with my car (my '75 from long ago) wasn't the oil pump, but rather the oil sender.

[Don East]

I had just replaced the sender before I made this thread. I guess the brand new one could be bad. I'll try and find a gauge that I can hookup to the car and test the pressure. Thanks to all for input and ideas.

Don

[Marty Rogan]

I had just replaced the sender before I made this thread. I guess the brand new one could be bad. I'll try and find a gauge that I can hookup to the car and test the pressure. Thanks to all for input and ideas.

Don

I have found aftermarket senders to be pretty poor. If you haven't already, get a Nissan part.

Marty

[Don East]

Where do I get a Nissan part?

[Marty Rogan]

Where do I get a Nissan part?

Nissan dealer or Courtesy Nissan in Texas.