Oil pressure sensor problem??

[Scotian]

Most time my oil pressure gauge shows 50 PSI but then for no reason it jumps up to maximum of 80.. Jumps as in immediately goes from 50 to 80. It may stay there or just as fast drop back to 50. Variation in speed does not have any effect on pressure and which number is showing.

An auto mechanic says it is probably the oil pressure sensor.. What does it sound like to others and where do I get one?
Thanks in advance.

[Don Moyer]

Your local mechanic is probably correct.

The best way to separate electric gauge problems from actual oil system problems is to note the speed with which the needle on the gauge moves. If it literally "flicks" between indications faster than the oil pressure could reasonably change, the problem is most likely a faulty connection either in the DC power supply to the gauge, the circuit from the sending unit or (in the case of Stewart Warner gauges) in the grounding connection. I would check these connections before replacing the sending unit or the gauge.

Don