Has anybody used an oil pressure sending unit from Autozone or Advance auto and had good luck? I think mine may be on it's way out as the gauge has started fluctuating somewhat.

 

If you can get one from cummins, get it from them. the ones from kragen definitely don't last,"Neihoff" I think is their brand. the first one didn't even work. check your new one for continuity before the hassle of the install. good luck

 

Yes and Napa too.
You will end up replacing them in less than a year.
Buy from Cummins, cheaper in the long run.

 

I have oil pressure fluctuations, more when its warm out. It is my understanding that the oil pressure "sender" is bad. Is there also an oil pressure "sensor" or is this reference one and the same. Is there only one item to replace, generally speaking. Also, do you know how much one of these units are? Are they difficult to replace? Finally, I have a 1998, according to dodgeram.org, there is a TSB for the 1998, I understand that it is a reflash, but is that only for the 24 valves or also for the 12 valves, which is what I have? Basically, is there a specific issue with the 1998 senders/sensors that a replacement may not solve?

V/R
Steve

 

A sender is about $60 from Cummins and easy to install if you have a sender socket or a deep regular socket.
The reflash that applies to '98s and 24 valves turns your gauge into an idiot light, it will only read zero and normal with no in-between.
Not something I find particularly desirable.

 

If I have a bad sender because of oil pressure flucuations, should I act immediately to replace it? Can I ignore it until I want to do it, or does it serve a functional purpose that would damage the engine if not replaced? Does it regulate the pressure or anything like that?

V/R
Steve

 

You should verify that the sender is really the problem and that you don't have screwy oil pressure.
Easy way is to attach a hose with a gauge on the end to the plugged port on top of the oil filter housing to get a true reading of your oil pressure.

 

Hey I agree on the aftermarket junk. I had a noisey sender and replaced it with a NAPA unit. Thought, it's just a sender, aftermarket should be fine - right,,,wrong. Mine came loose inside and leaked oil as well as gave erratic readings. When the mechanic replaced it (genuine Cummins), the center fell out in his hand. Can you say pump all the oil out of the motor in seconds!!!! I learned the hardway Genuine Cummins.