flashman

While driving home, my 1992 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9L suddenly loss oil pressure according to the gauge. Now the engine won't start.

There are no leaks.

Can anyone point me in the right direction to troubleshoot the problem.

RacerHog

Sounds like the oil pump pick up in the oil pan fell off. And now the engine might be frozen up?

flashman

Hey Racer, thanks for the reply. The engine does turn over so it's not siezed

flashman

I just checked the distributor and it rotates as the engine is cranked, so it can't be the timing chain

RacerHog

Got spark ?

flashman

No, apparently, the computer is prohibiting circuit due to no oil pressure

RacerHog

In that case. it appears that you may need to check and see if the oil pumps drive shaft has broken or the pump might have failed?

RacerHog

Or look at a wiring diagram and see if you can bypass the oil switch and check it for spark. and if you then have spark? at that point you can use a manual gauge to check for oil pressure.

flashman

That's pretty much what I figured. Just before the truck died, there was a high pitched squeal. I'm leaning more towards the drive shaft, because the oil pressure was perfect before the engine died.