Re: 96 Ram 1500 - 318 - Oil light

"Ann" <babes@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:47d3dc21$0$30704$4c368faf@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Ok guys, I have been reading your posts for quite some time now and I
> have used alot of the good advice here. I am at my end with an oil 
> problem.
>
> I have a '96 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 318 5.2L.  Last month I had the plenum
> gasket replaced.  After that, my check engine light came on and the code
> came up as the EVAP code.  They checked all the hoses on the intake
> and cleared the code.  Then just two weeks ago I had the thermostat 
> changed
> out because I was having erratic heat temperatures coming out the vents
> at idle.
>
> Now, I have my oil light coming on. This only happens if the truck runs
> for a good 2hrs in city driving.  Above 40 at cold and after warming up.
> After the 2hrs, I come to any stop sign or a complete stop and the truck
> is at idle.  The light will come on and the needle will drop way low 
> (enough
> for the lite to come on) and start to flicker.  I checked the oil level 
> and
> it is at the "safe" level.  I know it blows blue smoke but it has been 
> doing
> it for years.  Oil pressure gauge jumps back to normal while driving.
>
> I am at a loss.  I had one place tell me it might be the pistons/rings
or 
> valves
> that need replaced.  I am not sure if it might be a bad job when they 
> replaced
> the plenum gasket.  Just at a loss and would like to know if anyone else
> had this problem or if anyone knows what the problem is.
>
> Hate to get rid of this truck, since it has been a great truck and with 
> almost
> 150,000 miles on it.
>
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
>
>
Same thing happened to my '96 two years ago.  Replaced the oil pressure 
switch and resolved the issue.  The part was $40 if I remember correctly.

Ralph