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Low Oil Pressure - 4.0L

11K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  Wattapunk  
#1 ·
So my 2000 TJ started dropping oil pressure a few years back.

My mechanic, who is an awesome guy, told me Chrysler f'd up the I6 with bad bearings.

Since then, I've been running 5 quarts of Royal Purple 20W/50 with 1 quart of Lucas synthetic stabilizer.

When the engine is cold, she pops to max oil pressure (needle hits 80), then settles at 40. So the situation seems to be under control. When she starts dropping to 20 again (not idling), it's time for a new oil change.

So, if that helps anyone, cool.

But I have some down-time, I'm currently revamping my coolant system and hoping to permanently fix the "melting HVAC" with a new blower and resistor and other stuff...

Anyway, I was just looking up the low oil pressure bit - and it's patched with the synthetic oil, whatever was the problem - but I'm not seeing any posts about bad bearings?

So given I'm basically replacing a ton of crap - again, my mechanic is super chill - does anyone here have any other theories as to the low oil pressure, or is he right about the bad bearings?

I'm just not looking forward to the day when the Royal Purple fails and I have to replace the engine. If there's any alternative to that scenario, I'd greatly appreciate any advice.
 
#4 ·
20w is how thick the oil is when cold. The oil is thinner when cold to aid in cold staring during the winter. Because it's thinner it's gonna flow through the pump and sensor faster giving you a higher pressure reading. As engine warms the oil goes to from the 10w to the 50 meaning it thickened. Thicker oil will flow slower giving you a lower pressure reading but it provides the most protection/seal. Also as RPM rise pressure should too.

With that said, and from what I recall,
Chrysler got sick of people being concerned about pressure fluctuations so they made a updated oil pressure switch that doesn't fluctuate and stays fairly stable unless something is seriously wrong. So to "fix" the problem you could just get one of the dummy pressure switch.
 
#6 ·
I would address this issue with some urgency. Like Blackbox mentioned, verify that the actual oil pressure in oil gallery is within limits. It is highly likely that the pressure sender is giving a false reading. If the actual pressure is low and giving cause for concern, then it can be a few things. First check that the strainer/pick up to the pump is clear. If it is the take off a big end cap and measure the clearance with Plastigauge. The tolerance's are in the manual. Do the same with the main bearings and again check the tolerance. If you find the limits have been exceeded, then it is time to think about your next course of action. If it was me, I would remove the crankshaft, check for ovality and wear, re grind if necessary and replace the bearing shells with new standard or undersized ones. Unfortunately if the bearings are worn, no amount of thick oil will solve the problem. The I6 engine is very straight forward to work on, but like any other engine requires the bearings to be tight I order for the correct oil pressure to be achieved. You might consider replacing the piston rings while you about it, that way the engine will be in good shape for many years to come. The good thing is the parts are cheap and readily available. Using OEM parts is usually the best way to go, especially with Pistons and shells. Keep us posted with progress.
 
#7 ·
Also dont listen to that MEECHHHH.... He super chill cause he spending YOUR money..

The bearings in these tractor engines are stupid strong... Put up with water in oil, gas in oil and forget to change for 20k .....

300k is easy to do with just normal 5-7k oil changes... we had a fleet of cherokees.. 250k was minimum miles on them before we switched out to silverados, and we idled those jeeps 1000's of hours while on duty.. I bought mine and drove it another 150k... still good when I sold it to a hunting camp.. Still up at the camp hauling everything and only getting gas in return.
 
#8 ·
If you are having erratic readings and there are no mechanical or drivability issues, it's simply more likely a failing oil pressure sending unit. Oil pressure at idle per FSM is only 13psi. It hovers around 40-60 psi when driving.

As Blackbox has posted, check the pressure with a mechanical guage.