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Topic: Oil gauge issue on 3208 Cat U280 (Read 642 times) previous topic - next topic

Oil gauge issue on 3208 Cat U280

Question is on the dash pressure guage.

My 3208 Cat normally runs around 40-45 psi.    Changed oil and filters today getting ready for a possible road trip. 

After changing oil, started it up (was cold today, 30-40F) and I had start up pressure around 60 psi cold.  Backed it out of storage and thought I let it warm up and run a while as I tended other issues. 

1/2 hour later got back in drivers seat and about had a heart attack as needle was below zero.  Zero is about 5 o clock and needle was straight down.  Immediately shut it down and check drain plug and filters for any leaks and nothing.  oil level fine.

Restarted and needle acted funny going up then back straight down.  Started and shut it down several times and finally needle stabilized at 10 psi at idle.  at 2000 rpm it is about 30 psi but goes back to 10 psi when idled back down.

I suspect the guage is the issue but a bit unsettled at why this happened suddenly at this point in time after a fresh oil change.....

What is the experience with others and oil gauges?  Is there a sensor back on the engine someplace that maybe is the issue?

TIA
Dan 1989 U280 40'

Re: Oil gauge issue on 3208 Cat U280

Reply #1 –
I put a manual gauge under the bed with a braided line.. Teed's into the output for the factory sender
3126 Cat
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Oil gauge issue on 3208 Cat U280

Reply #2 –
I had an oil pressure gauge go bad on my 1981 Foretravel with a 3208. It was erratic and all over the place. Scary to watch but a cheap fix.
1993 U225
Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Retired, Snowbird, Full time Off Grid

Re: Oil gauge issue on 3208 Cat U280

Reply #3 –
Probably the sender. We used to remote mount the sender because of the vibration of the 3208.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Oil gauge issue on 3208 Cat U280

Reply #4 –
Thanks guys,  99% sure this is what it is but that one percent gets ya.
Dan 1989 U280 40'