Hi all,
95 3.9 V8 (so the weirdo new-style oil pump w/ distributor setup) is slow to build pressure when cold (like 10-20 seconds for the light to go out). The colder the day and the longer it's been sitting the longer it takes. Warm starts are quicker but can still take 1-5 seconds. Here are the clues so far...
The truck isn't a daily driver so I can afford to take my time. I'm looking for "pragmatic" more than perfect with this engine. It has 200k miles and 50k on a "rebuild" of unknown extent and quality. I imagine a proper rebuild is on the horizon. I'd like to at least take all the simple steps to identify this issue but without sinking more time and money than makes sense. Wrenching time is limited, so I'd also like to avoid doing things twice!
Thanks for your help!
joe in pdx
(startup video, ~68 deg day, first start)
95 3.9 V8 (so the weirdo new-style oil pump w/ distributor setup) is slow to build pressure when cold (like 10-20 seconds for the light to go out). The colder the day and the longer it's been sitting the longer it takes. Warm starts are quicker but can still take 1-5 seconds. Here are the clues so far...
- swapped pressure switch, and confirmed with separate oil pressure gauge -- no change
- oil pressure seems fine once it's up (38psi cold or hot at 2500 on a mechanical gauge at oil filter housing)
- last oil change went from 20w50 to 15w40 (Rotella) with Mahle Black OEM filter -- seems to be slightly improved but maybe placebo, still too long
- engine makes no nasty noises while light on, but there is some tappet noise after ~30s. This noise comes and goes at idle but honestly is no worse than our old EJ22 subaru with hydraulic lifters -- concerning?
- engine runs smooth and strong in all conditions
The truck isn't a daily driver so I can afford to take my time. I'm looking for "pragmatic" more than perfect with this engine. It has 200k miles and 50k on a "rebuild" of unknown extent and quality. I imagine a proper rebuild is on the horizon. I'd like to at least take all the simple steps to identify this issue but without sinking more time and money than makes sense. Wrenching time is limited, so I'd also like to avoid doing things twice!
Thanks for your help!
joe in pdx