Oil pressure drops to zero at idle

[cormorant]

After engine is warmed up, oil pressure is fine at steady 45-50psi throughout normal range, drops to about 30-35 at 1000 revs, but if allowed to idle, indications on the gauge drops to zero, no other warning low pressure light, picks up again as soon as revs applied, any ideas?

[350Matt]

Could be the gauge / sender inaccuracies, if you're not lighting up the low pressure light you should be OK, however you may want to invest in a new oil pressure relief spring and check the pressure with a trusted mechanical gauge

[cormorant]

Matt, many thanks, confirmed my own suspicians, the pressure tests OK which is a relief, and it would appear to be the sender unit at fault. One on order.
Thanks very much for your response,
Mike

[The Red Baron]

Also, check the connection of the wire to the pressure sender. It's rather exposed to the elements.

I was having similar 'odd' pressure readings (except mine was fine at idle, but went to zero with revs). Pulled off the connections, gave it a wipe and a spray with WD40 put it back on and it's all fine now.

Might save you buying a new sender.