The 86 Idaho car always registers good oil pressure until it is driven and brought up to operating temps. Then when it sits and idles after about 10 minutes the oil pressure needle falls all the way to the red...
This made me cautious about driving it much because I was afraid of hurting the motor and thought the oil pressure was almost nothing. On a hunch I just decided to change out the sending unit. Now at all times and temps, even after sitting in the drive idling for 30 minutes yesterday evening the oil pressure stays in the "normal" area of the gauge.
I noticed when I took out the old sensor the housing would actually turn within itself. The new one would not. I am thinking the old sensor was just worn out and bleeding off or not reading properly. I took it out afterwards and ran it real hard for a few miles, shifting at redline etc. When first kicked down it spit out some white smoke but after blowing it out good it seemed to run better. I think the old girl was just shaking out the cobwebs from being parked for the better part of 8 years.
Now I am going to get some license plates for the car and take her out at least once a month for a sunday drive.
Also I would like to report that Gatorbacks still ride the same as they did in the 80's........like crap !
I have some more plans for her but will post that up later with some pictures.