Have a 1998 dodge Grand Caravan 3.8 motor that the oil light come on low idle 600 rpm changed oil sender and filter going to pressure gage on tomorrow night Help?

Answer 1

As engine bearings wear, the clearance between the crankshaft and the babbit surface becomes large enough for oil to leak out faster than the oil pump can pressurize it, especially when the oil pump is turning slowly, such as at an idle. If the condition isn't too severe, you can solve the problem by changing to a slightly heavier grade motor oil. If you've been using 5W15 oil, change to 10W30 and see how it works for you. You might find that you didn't really need all the rest of it. It really is quite common, especially since auto manufacturers have been trying to get engines to use the lighter grade oils to reduce fuel consumption. A 5W15 can make the engine turn quite a bit easier, but sometimes it doesn't provide the hydraulic suspension needed as the engine wears, but the auto manufacturers would rather you buy a new vehicle every few years anyway so they don't bother to tell you to use a heavier grade oil when the engine starts to wear. I'm relatively confident that this will solve your problem. If 10W30 doesn't take care of it, try a 15W40. Just pick oil with slightly heavier numbers until the oil pressure gauge looks right. Good luck.