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Oil Pressure Issues

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Rusty_but_Trusty, Oct 7, 2021.

  1. Oct 7, 2021 at 4:43 PM
    #1
    Rusty_but_Trusty

    Rusty_but_Trusty [OP] Active Member

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    2" lift, 31x10.50 A/T tires
    A few months back I was driving my '96 2.7L Taco and the low oil pressure light came on. I limped home about 40 miles and parked it until I could troubleshoot. The oil level looked good and didn't appear to be over or undefilled. There was no smoking, overheating, rattling, etc.... I quit driving it after that and began troubleshooting. I swapped the sending unit and no change. I threw a gauge on and could not get it to read anything. I am looking for some help with diagnosis. I have been slowly feeding antifreeze into the overflow reservoir over the last few months, about 3/4 of a reservoir fill every couple weeks, so assumed the motor was consuming a little bit of antifreeze and expected that a head gasket change was on the horizon, but I am not sure how that would affect oil pressure. I also had changed the head gasket about 60K miles ago. The mechanic I took it to said that it was either a head gasket or cracked head and recommended a new motor all together.

    Was curious what the TacomaWorld recommendations/insights were.
     
  2. Oct 7, 2021 at 6:10 PM
    #2
    Chickenfarmer

    Chickenfarmer Well-Known Member

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    I had the same issue with the 3.4. I would get the light when I came to a stop and idled. I replaced the sending unit with no fix. I changed the oil and got a different oil filter. Hasn’t came back on in 4500 miles. Mine doesn’t use oil or antifreeze though. The oil pump doesn’t usually go bad but it can.
     
  3. Oct 7, 2021 at 7:24 PM
    #3
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    if you put an oil pressure gauge on the motor and didn't get a reading I would suspect the pickup tube/screen is plugged or the key way that turns the drive gear is sheared, either way she is going to have to come apart for a diagnosis.
     
    Chickenfarmer likes this.
  4. Oct 8, 2021 at 10:04 AM
    #4
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Northern Lehigh Valley Pa
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    Remains to be seen I bought the tires and wheels the rest came along
    Just where was all the coolant going?? No visible leaks no white smoke ??

    If your getting antifreeze in the oil the bearing material does not play well with antifreeze .

    possible you now have enough clearance the oil pressure is so low it does not read.

    The 40 mile trip home is a puzzle unless you were real lucky!
     
  5. Oct 8, 2021 at 4:27 PM
    #5
    USMILRET

    USMILRET Tacoma Owner

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    You sure don't want to ignore this. Plugged screen on my newly acquired 1998 3RZ FE. The engine was mere minutes away from self destruction. I happened to notice the low oil pressure dash light. I wouldn't ignore it. IMG_6567.jpg

    These are the crankshaft main bearings. The engine was saved.IMG_6575.jpg
     
  6. Oct 9, 2021 at 9:17 AM
    #6
    Rusty_but_Trusty

    Rusty_but_Trusty [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    1996 Toyota Tacoma LX Extended Cab
    2" lift, 31x10.50 A/T tires
    I would agree that I got fairly lucky if there truly isn't any oil pressure and I have no intention of ignoring it. Going to keep troubleshooting. I am going to check the oil pressure sending unit port for any blockages then pull the oil pan to check the pickup tube. I am wondering if there just is too much sludge from over the years and the system might need a good flush. I have noticed slight moisture on the inside of the oil cap but nothing as bad as when I changed the head gasket 60K ago. Thanks for all the insight.
     

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