Topic: Low Oil Pressure...think I gotta do a rebuild.

[agood1]

My 97 TJ is showing low oil pressure.  I have replaced the sending unit and tested the gauge and they are all OK.  I replaced the oil pump and that did not fix the problem.  When the engine is cold the OP is good,  but when it gets hot,  the OP drops to zero....it will come up a little when you rev it,  but not much.  The motor is not making any noises like it should with low OP.  I just can't figure out what is going on.  I have been told several things it could be.  Worn Bearings,  Wrong Oil Filter (purolator),  bad gauge. 

I know the engine was overheated before I bought it,  becuase it had a bad head gasket and warped head.

So I am planning on the worst case,  that I will have to put bearings in it....but I figure while I have it a part,  I should do as much as I can to increase the performance.  Is there anything I can do?  Different Camshaft?  Pistons?  Valve job?  Injectors? 

Thanks

[jcsanders79]

I'd drive it till it blows.  My TJ oil gauge use to do the same thing every now and then though mine has been rebuilt.  It has to do  with a deformed pigtail on the wiring harness.  Doesnt hurt anything and since I put some electrical tape on it I have had no problems.

[Rob the plumber]

Did you verify oil pressure with a mechanical gauge?

You could also pop the pan off and replace the rod and main bearings. It would be an easy job that would only cost you about $100.

[Jeep_Lust]

If it's not bangin', it's probably OK. Any time that I've had bearing problems, my ear told me before the gauge did.

[jrollings]

i would definetly expect to be putting main bearings in it. that will more than likely take care of everything