Questions and Answers

Ford F150 Oil Pressure Q. I have a 1978 Ford F150 with a rebuilt motor 15,000 miles on it. I have been losing oil pressure. It's fine when in park but when I put it in gear the pressure will drop. When I give it some gas the pressure will go back up. What should I be looking for to fix this problem? Thanks for any help you can give.

A. The first thing to do is to put a mechanical oil pressure gauge and make sure the reading you are seeing is accurate. I don't know what readings you're getting, but for the 4.9, 4.2, 5.0, 5.8 and 6.6 liter it should be:

Oil Pressure (Hot)

40-60 psi at 2,000 rpm

If this is not what you're getting then you have an internal engine problem. And since it was just rebuilt it's probably safe to assume it's not a bearing problem.

If it drops to about 15 psi in drive at idle, that's okay too.