[Bob Lincoln]

Does the engine make any noise that indicates it's running dry or low on oil pressure? Any knocking? If not, check the wire to the sending unit. If OK, replace the sending unit. They often fail by gradually drifting low in their reading.

 

[MoldyOldy]

Nope. runs and sounds just as it always does, just that the oil pressure guage reads low sometimes....This afternoon it was reading low, then suddenly went up to normal when I was sitting at a light.....Have to do an oil change anyway, so I'll pick up a new sender while I'm at NAPA.....How do you guys feel about that engine flush stuff? My van is driven mostly short distances, so sludge may be building up....I had the pan off last year and cleaned the glop out, but was thinking of throwing in a can of flush like every third oil change just to play it safe....

 

[Doug D]

I think I only used an engine flush once, can't remember why though or which engine. Unless you getting signs of it sludging up I wouldn't worry too much about it. Probably wouldn't hurt if you're going to change the oil anyway.

+1 on the sending unit. I had a '86 Le Baron GTS where the oil pressure gauge starting reading low and acting abnormal. Found it to be seeping oil. Replaced it and the readings went back to normal. As long as the engine isn't knocking it's the sensor and not actually low oil pressure. You could put a mechanical gauge on it to verify, but in 99% of these cases it's the sensor.

 

[MoldyOldy]

Thanks guys! Will try to change it this weekend, will ley you know how it pans out....might be seeping, I see some very small oil stains on the driveway lately....

 

[ImperialCrown]

A good working PCV system is important to sludge control. Use an OEM PCV valve if you can. The rubber hose plumbing for the breather and PCV should also be checked for hard or soft rubber, swelling and cracks which can lose vacuum and introduce unfiltered air into the intake or crankcase. A crankcase running at a slight vacuum can reduce oil leaks.
Try to locate the source of the oil leak. Oil usually drips down and rearward on an engine. I doubt that the pickup screen is plugged. As long as the red 'ck gauges' or low oil pressure symbol isn't lighting then the oil pressure should be still within safe limits.
100K can still be young.