Well once again there's a problem with my 87 turbo. Here's what's happening.

I was driving my car home from work yesterday when all of a sudden my oil pressure gauge dropped to 0. I freaked out thinking I lost all my oil and immediately stopped the car. I popped the hood and checked the dipstick and it was FULL. I double and triple checked and it was full. There is smoke coming from the turbo area but it did that
previously to the gauge dropping. So I drove the car home and it drove normal. My guess is its just the sending unit. So here are my questions. Does this sound right? Is it safe to drive? Where is the sending unit located?

Thanks for any help. I don't want to start it up until I know it's safe because when I see 0 on the gauge it kinda scares me! LOL

 

Ryan,

The oil pressure sensor is located jusst under the oil filter. Install a pressure tester and recheck.

Mark

 

The oil pressure sensors are notorious for failing in 2nd gens.

You may want to install an aftermarket guage for peace of mind.

 

Jack,

Do you know of a good upgrade from stock? Was going to replace to just stock but if there's something better please let me know.

Thanks!

 

The sender gets dirty easily and then fails to read after oil and other junk accumulater on it. You can clean it up pretty easily.

I don't know about 2nd gen but on a 3rd gen, there is a red warning light in the oil pressure gauge. When the oil level (not pressure) drops, the red warning light comes on. If this happens, you'll want to put some dino juice in quickly before **** goes down.

 

Hi,
A good and affordable aftermarket set up is the Electric Autometer 2 1/16" gauges (eg. Ultra Lite) used with the Racing Beat oil pressure/ temp adapter plate. I installed these in my car a month ago and It's nice to see my REAL pressure and temp...

I wouldn't sweat the 0 psi. Just don't drive around too long or you just may find yourself out of oil for real. But, then again you always have your oil level buzzer/idiot light ;o)

Good luck,
-Mike