2.3l Low Oil Pressure
 

Just bought a 1988 LX with the 140 2.3l engine with 265,000 Km's. Everythign runs well except that the Oil Pressure dissapears after it warms up and I idle. Could this be the Oil Pump or maybe just a pluged oil pickup? Is it a big job to replace the Oil Pump if this is the case?

Thanks,
Craigstang

Oil is thicker when it's cold and when it warms up and gets thinner it doesn't fill the clearances of the engine as well (if it's excessive). Chances are your main and rod bearings are worn and need replacement. Changing just the oil pump won't fix your problem unless you get a high volume, which it MAY fill up the gaps better - but if you're in there check and replace the bearings. A temporary solution is running thicker oil like 15w40, 20W50 or even a straight weight like 30, or 40 (wouldn't recommend straight 50 if you plan on actually driving it) and your oil pressure will go up. I had the same problem in my '87 Jeep Cherokee and i went up in oil viscosity (from 5W30 to 15W40) and the oil pressure came up to where it should have been.

hay i went to my shop and pressure tested the block and found out that is all right. so i replaced the sending unit and this took care of the problem. thanks for the info tho

Glad to hear it was something simple :D