I didn't see any discussion of this in the forum so I hope someone has a suggestion. I have a 2000 4WD Tracker with the 2.0L engine, 159L miles on it. The oil has been changed faithfully on time since we bought it new.

Two weeks ago the oil pressure light started flickering when the engine was completely warm and at an idle. I took it into the shop where they replaced the pressure sensor (which was rather rusted) and checked the pressure. In fact, the pressure was low - 9 PSI at idle and they said it should be closer to 12 PSI. They suggested the only fix was to replace the engine.

Maybe that's true and maybe not. I changed the oil with 10-30 (it normally calls for 5-30) and used a quart of Marvel Mystery oil. I don't normally change the oil myself so I hadn't been seeing the cleanliness of the oil at changes. After 100 miles the oil was rather black and nasty. Not crunchy or gritty, but dirty. I put in fresh oil and the MMO which is in the car now. A Jeep guy said that on these engines it's common for the oil pickup screen to become clogged and that's a likely cause of the problem. He suggested the MMO to try and dislodge some of the crap. After another 100 miles or so, I'll drain the oil and see what happens.

What I found today was that when the car is cold, the light is off. After about 5 minutes of running, the temp gauge is up to normal and light is still off. 10 minutes later, the light starts to flicker, then stays on at an idle. It flicker off at around 1000 RPM and stays off while driving. Come up to a light and the RPMs drop to an idle and the light turns back on. It's curious that it doesn't start happening as soon as the engine is warm.

So is there any chance that it's crud the MMO will clean out? Or is it (as I fear) ready for an oil pump and/or main bearings? I guess the problem with these 4WD units is that the front drive is mounted under the oil pan which makes the repair really expensive. A used engine seems to be nearly $1800 or $1900 and that's with only a little less mileage. A rebuild engine is between $3000 and $4000 - way more than the car is worth.

Has anyone else faced this and what was the outcome?

Thanks!

Howard

 

I would be the last person on this board (likely) to give you a good answer. However, I am curious, as none of your comment suggests any engine noises. Are you hearing any tappet or bearing noises? If the oil pressure is low, especially on acceleration, the engine should(?) be giving indication of its displeasure which you would hear (If say, the radio is not blasting...).

I had been driving a Ford 5.0 Liter Sedan for 21 years as a first vehicle (now as a backup), and learned from others, the valve train in a 5.0 Liter could be "Sloppy" and prone to make noise---like it has for 21 years. The engine seems every bit as strong today as in 1993, and I have never seen a light on it.

JR

 

No, no new noises at all. The engine has always sounded a bit odd to me - weird percolating noises like an old coffee pot since it was new in 2000. There are no valve noises whatsoever and the mechanic who measured the oil pressure said the engine appears completely healthy except for the oil pressure. The thing runs like the day it was new.

 

OK, sounds like aging. It is OK cold (While the oil is thick), my guess is age??? This is all I can offer...other than suggesting you keep the oil level full and drive like usual. If you really want to keep tabs on the pressure, you might consider getting one of those add on oil pressure gauges installed. Not sure I would bother myself. Sooner or later, the engine will "tell" you it is rebuild time --or you simply sell/junk the vehicle.

JR