I think I’m in trouble…need help.

The more I’m reading on this issue the more I’m overthinking. Lately after driving my 95 on the expressway for about 15 minutes and after idling for at a stop…my oil pressure light flickers. At first I thought oh the previous owner probably got a cheap autozone oil pressure sending unit. I got an oem and I’m about to install. Clean out the electrical connection and check for any damage. The flickering happens intermittently but it’s all starting to make a little sense. My truck slightly knocks at cold start ups, goes away when operating temp or driving a while. I could have a dirty pick up tube, at least I’m hoping. I’m gonna try an amsoil engine flush and see if that helps. Recently changed out my valve cover gaskets and I was pretty disappointed. The previous owner didn’t change the oil frequent enough and used the cheapest conventional oil he could find I’m assuming. Anyways. Thoughts? It’s a 4wd so dropping the pan is rather daunting for me.

 

Oil flush will make it worse if its full of build up from crap oils and delayed changes. Get an actual gauge on it. If pressure is low it may be a good chance to check clearances and change rod and main bearings while salvageable.

You may want to break it free with a flush. Old time trick is to run a qt of transmission fluid thru to super flush. Watch oil pressure doesnt fall off as the sump can plug quickly. Drop the pan, check bearing with plastigauge (ez to do), put a new set in.

 

Ive seen much worse than that. The engine flush products from autozone/oreiliys etc are pretty much the same as using some ATF. If you have some laying around do as mentioned about. I would definitely drop the pan. That will be the most accurate inspection. Only real way to see if the pick up is clogged and to see how the bottom end looks like. Good luck

 

You already have the pressure sensor, why not put it on and see what happens.
The only way to know for sure is to check the actual pressure.

If the new sensor and cleaning the connector doesn’t fix the issue.
Stop. Don’t do anything else until you check the pressure.