my dodge ram 1500 oil gauge droped to 0 i did hear some rattiling noice, were do i start?

Question

my dodge ram 1500 oil gauge droped to 0 i did hear some rattiling noice, were do i start.
i have oil. it goes to 30 then drops to 0 . it is also overheating when this problem started

Answer 1

The first thing to do is put a mechanical oil pressure gauge onto the engine and verify that your oil pressure is actually dropping to 0 psi. If it is, pull the oil pan and check the oil pump pick-up screen for sludge (plugged). This is common in engines that have not been well maintained (No disrespect intended), If it is plugged, you'll need a new oil pump and pick-up screen (you may want to try this, then go after the overheating problem). Also check for ant particles of metal in the oil pan, if you see any chunks, you've probably spun a bearing and need a new engine. Also wiggle all the rods and check for excessive play (again, a spun bearing). Also, if the truck is a pre 2001 model, it's possible that the intake manifold pan gasket has blown out and the engine is sucking oil through the intake, allowing the engine to run low on oil. As far as the over-heating, it may be a separate problem, unless oil starvation has caused a hot spot and cracked the block or head(s). But it may just be a coincidence that both problems started at the same time. So basically, if you've lost oil pressure, you'll have to tear the engine down to the bare block to find all damage, but it will probably be cheaper to put a used or reman long block in.

Answer 2

Don't know anything about the model.
The oil pump should be mechanically locked in with the engine with the cam shaft along with the other essentials.
If it drops from 30-0 then I would look at the pump drive connection first and then the pump.
The noise you heard could be a crack in the pump casing or a snapped impeller blade.
Don't even try to see how long it will run or how hot it gets.

I have assumed your engine oil is clean and nothing has dropped into the sump. Paper diagnosis is dodgy since I can't question you.
I had a Dodge truck in the army. Solid as a rock.
If it was the Head Gasket it would sing like a canary and lose water before it lost oil.

Answer 3

Well first off how hot did it get before the gauge flipped out? Cause if it didnt get to hot did you hit something? If none of the above you will need to change your oil pan gasket, possibly your head gaskets and yes check your oil pump. Just an FYI though your oil pump does not just go out with out something provoking it though. So I would actually take it in and have it over hauled instead of tring to do the work yourself cause it sounds like a more serious problem other than just your oil pump, cause im guessing this is a newer Dodge not one thats over 10yrs old.

Answer 4

if the engine has a lot of miles,and wasn't well maintained,the pick up tube is most likely plugged.I have seen this a few times.as the engine warms up,debris in the bottom of the pan begins to plug up the oil flow to the pump,and the longer it runs,the lower the pressure becomes until there is no flow.I would verify with a manual gauge first and see if there is no pressure.If you determine it is 0 you should drop the pan and inspect for a plugged pick up tube,if so replace the pump and pick up tube with a new one as long as you have not damaged the engine.deal with the overheating second.

Answer 5

Dodge ram trucks are known to have oil pressure sending units go bad, but the fact that you heard lifter noise indicates a loss of oil pressure. The other common problem is oil sludging in the motor. This sludge sits in the bottom of the pan and blocks the oil pump pick up tube, causing loss of oil pressure. I would recommend dropping the oil pan to have a look at the pick up tube and oil pan...Clean it out and replace the oil pump. If you find sludge, you should pull a valve cover to see if its in the upper engine as well...

Answer 6

Oil pump, bad oil, no\not enough oil. Say whenever you accelerate or brake the oil pressure drops to zero then you are running dangerously low on oil. If it dose it out of random ak: driving steady down the highway (not going up or down a pass) and it drops to zero then comes back then its most likely your oil pump. Check your oil level! Make sure you wipe the dip stick when you check it too!

Answer 7

i think u should check your engine dip stick to see if there any engine oil inside if not l won't drive it call your dealership for help or there something wrong with your gauge there a chance that you don't have any coolant the green fuel that maybe why the gauge drop or somewhere it leaking check the floor good luck

Answer 8

That dont sound good,Probably done a bearing,check for fluctuations on the oil gauge.Could also be oil pump or drive.

Answer 9

i would start by checking to see if you have anti freeze for your over heating problem, change you oil start it for a minute and see what it does. iff you still have the gauge drop you might need a new pump for your oil

Answer 10

You need to replace your oil pump and possibly there is some damage in the engine