racer-xerols
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I noticed it yesterday, pulling a heavy load across the field (a downed tree, nearly the size and weight of my '05 Ram quad cab diesel). It was hot ambient out, probably low 90s, and I was running in first, 6x6, transfer case in low range for pulling power. Nothing overheated. Oil shows between full and "2 low" on the dipstick at shutdown, 1 minute after shutdown, and about 30 minutes after shutdown. No knocking noises in the engine that I could hear...but then, these things are LOUD to begin with.
Oil pressure gauge was fluttering above zero at idle. Fluttered higher than that when the revs were up...but not much. I seem to remember it being higher last time we used it. Oil looks good on the stick, not black or chunky. Runs fine, no misfires or hiccups (and it pulled that tree, with the only 'weak link' being traction).
Is there a place I can hook a test pressure gauge? I have the manuals...but anyone who's used them knows, they're less than helpful on many levels. How often do the gauges flake out, versus there being an actual pressure problem? Looking in the manual, the pump is gear-driven off a gear on the crank so it's doubtful that failed...unless there's an internal pump problem or a bad seal on the pickup (or a blocked pickup...but again, the oil looks darned clean).
Or - and this is my hope - are these things THAT sensitive to being a quart low? It sure would be easier to drop in a quart or two (and what's the oil of choice - looks like straight 30 in the manual, or do they like a diesel oil like Rotella T?), than it would be to drop the pan and check everything....especially in the middle of a field!
Any advice from a non-newbie would be much appreciated, thanks!
Oil pressure gauge was fluttering above zero at idle. Fluttered higher than that when the revs were up...but not much. I seem to remember it being higher last time we used it. Oil looks good on the stick, not black or chunky. Runs fine, no misfires or hiccups (and it pulled that tree, with the only 'weak link' being traction).
Is there a place I can hook a test pressure gauge? I have the manuals...but anyone who's used them knows, they're less than helpful on many levels. How often do the gauges flake out, versus there being an actual pressure problem? Looking in the manual, the pump is gear-driven off a gear on the crank so it's doubtful that failed...unless there's an internal pump problem or a bad seal on the pickup (or a blocked pickup...but again, the oil looks darned clean).
Or - and this is my hope - are these things THAT sensitive to being a quart low? It sure would be easier to drop in a quart or two (and what's the oil of choice - looks like straight 30 in the manual, or do they like a diesel oil like Rotella T?), than it would be to drop the pan and check everything....especially in the middle of a field!
Any advice from a non-newbie would be much appreciated, thanks!
