Author Topic: Oil Pressure Sending Unit  (Read 3090 times)

Roy C Tyler

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Oil Pressure Sending Unit
« on: March 31, 2019, 02:22:50 PM »
I know the dash gauges are just for entertainment but when you are going down the road at 60 MPH and the oil pressure drops to zero, it is not that entertaining.  My original oil pressure sending unit had a slight leak so I replaced it with an Auto Meter 2242 sending unit about a year and a half ago. Reading the reviews on this replacement, many complaints are that it only lasts about a year and a half.  Does anyone have any suggestions for another replacement sending unit?  I have a Cummins ISC 8.3 and the sending unit is easy to get to and replace but I am getting old and do not enjoy laying on my back under my motorhome like I used to. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Oil Pressure Sending Unit
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2019, 04:12:32 PM »
Get the replacement from Cummins.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Chuck Jackson

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Re: Oil Pressure Sending Unit
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2019, 04:34:48 PM »
My coach does the same thing but the Medallion always shows a value. I always thought that when a gauge behaves this way it is most likely a bad ground.
2019 Newmar Dutch Star 4328
2008 Beaver Contessa 40' Pacifica 425 Cat - Sold

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Oil Pressure Sending Unit
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2019, 02:27:08 AM »
Chuck,
Before you change the sending unit, check the connections at the guage in the dash. In my 01 Contessa I had a similar problem with the temp guage and found the connection to the guage was loose. The nuts holding the wires to the guage posts were loose on a number of the guages.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Roy C Tyler

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Re: Oil Pressure Sending Unit
« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2019, 06:16:57 AM »
Thanks Steve for the information.  I did have a problem with the connections on the dash meter when I was leaving Yellowstone NP in 2015. I had a loose positive connection then.  I am in Phoenix now and the MH is in Oregon.  I will not be back to it until late May but I will update this post when I find out what is wrong.  Thanks again.

George Harwell

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Re: Oil Pressure Sending Unit
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2019, 03:41:57 PM »
Chuck, I too have dealt with this gremlin. My 03 Monterey Seacliff had the first failure in Jan. 2015. Replaced with the Autometer 2242 that failed in Dec. 2015. Replaced with another 2242 and doing well so far. I am 75 years old and still do all of the maintenance so am thankful it is easily replaced. Glad the Alladin was still showing oil pressure as the oil pressure gauge reading zero can definitely get your attention.

Roy C Tyler

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Re: Oil Pressure Sending Unit
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2019, 04:18:48 PM »
George, if I understand it right, the Aladdin always reads 55 psi because there is no data line for the Aladdin.  I put my faith in the computer system and hoped it would shut down the engine if the oil pressure was in fact zero.  I think I will do as Steve suggested and check with Cummins and see what the cost of their sender unit is.

George Harwell

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Re: Oil Pressure Sending Unit
« Reply #7 on: April 05, 2019, 10:29:35 PM »
I agree with you that the Alladin always reads 55 psi or zero. Not real time oil pressure. I squawked it when the coach was new and was politely informed that the Alladin reading was not a gauge, simply another indicator of oil pressure. I too hope electronic action will save the engine if it loses oil pressure.

Gerald Farris

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Re: Oil Pressure Sending Unit
« Reply #8 on: April 05, 2019, 11:28:04 PM »
Cummins uses an oil pressure switch on many of their engines that functions just like the oil pressure light in many cars. If you have enough oil pressure for the engine to operate safely the light goes out, or in the case of your coach the Aladdin reads 55 PSI as the default reading if there is enough oil pressure to close the switch. The engine computer uses this switch to determine your oil pressure status and that has worked for Cummins for years.

Gerald