Symptoms of Truck’s High Oil Pressure & What To Do

The moving components of a truck’s engine require oil to run through them to function smoothly. The oil prevents the engine from overheating and reduces friction. Low oil pressure prevents oil from reaching all the engine parts effectively, but high pressure is equally bad. High engine oil pressure is not a common issue, and diagnosing it is hard because it does not have distinct symptoms. There are various symptoms related to high engine oil pressure. Shared here are 3 that are common in every truck.

Symptoms of Truck’s High Oil Pressure & What To Do

Oil Pressure Gauge Light

Many trucks have some gauge that senses and produces a warning light when the oil pressure is high or low. You can easily read the meters because they show the exact oil pressure at a given time. When there is irregular or fluctuating oil pressure, the pressure gauge light appears on the dashboard to notify you of something wrong with your oiling system. The appearance of an oil check light is the first signal that the oil pressure in the truck is high.

Oil Leakages

All engine components function effectively under some parameters. If the engine’s pressure rises, these parameters begin to fail. A high oil pressure over a long period will cause leakages into the engine system, which can damage the engine. Parts such as seals, attachment points, and gaskets are the common victims of high oil pressure.

High Pressure in the Crankcase

The crankcase houses the crankshaft and other vital engine moving parts. To know the crank oil pressure, consider visiting a professional mechanic who will diagnose the engine oil pressure. High pressure in the crankcase can signal other engine problems. It has sensors likely to trigger the engine check light on your dashboard.

What to Do When the Oil Pressure Increases

There are several ways of addressing the oil pressure issues. Here are some steps to take when you experience high oil pressure.

Step1. Check the Oil Levels

Whenever the oil pressure is high, consider checking the oil level in your truck. Doing this sometimes reduces the high pressure. When your oil pressure is low, consider topping it up and take your truck for oil changes as soon as possible. 

Step2. Check Your Oil Color

Your engine oil should be brownish but not dark brown or opaque. The brown color indicates that your oil is still healthy. If it has the right color, but you experience high oil pressure, consider taking your truck for a mechanical checkup.

Step3. Use Oil Pressure Kit

Before using a pressure kit to test your oil pressure, ensure your engine has rested and cooled down. After identifying it, determine if your sending unit is normal by following the direction on your kit.

Step4. Change Your Oil and Filter

Old oil and worn-out filter can increase oil pressure. If this is the problem, consider changing your oil and the filter. Turn on your engine and try to locate where your sending unit is. 

Conclusion

Engine oil pressure can increase at times when you least expected it. Your truck will exhibit any of the above symptoms if it is high. To solve this problem, consider taking your vehicle for a mechanical checkup.