oil pressure question. why does...

[chimpum-callao]

when i start the car, a '95 e320, the oil pressure gauge goes up and then quickly comes back down to zero and stays there. i shut the car off and try it again and the same thing happens. does this mean that the oil pump is bad or the oil sending unit(oil pressure sensor)? thanks.

[Jayare]

Sounds like you have a faulty sending unit. I would get it check/replaced right away.. How long has this been going on?

Good Luck,

Jayare

[chimpum-callao]

where is it located? the car has been sitting for quite a while and i just noticed it when starting it up, but do not keep the car running.

[Jayare]

It should be at the base of the oil filter block (what the filter attaches to) It will be a bit smaller than a tennis ball in diameter and have a single wire attached.

Good Luck,

Jayare

[augapfel]

The sender unscrews from the oil filter base. Don't lose/forget the aluminum washer that goes between the sender and the base.

[White_Knuckles]

Your valve train would sound clattery, loud ticking if you had no oil pressure.

Not saying you should roar around in your car but your ear should tell you clearly if there is total loss of oil pressure. With the hood is up and the car running it should sound normal. If any excessive noise is detected - shut her down.

[chimpum-callao]

any easy way to get to it? i see that the intake is in the way or am i looking at it all wrong? thanks for your help folks.

[drin]

Did mine from the bottom end of the car.. Try putting it up on jack stands and from there you'll pretty much have free space to access it..

[deanyel]

Clearly bottom of the car, not really necessary to drain the oil but if you have an oil change coming out might as well do it then.