oil pressure gauge reading

[JohnK]

I have a hardline connection from my gauge to the oil galley.  It is a used gauge I bought.  I have good pressure 20-40 but at times the gauge drops to zero for 10-15 seconds and then back up for a few minutes before dropping to 0 again.  I've thought about getting a new gauge but wanted to check here for any ideas first. This is a newly rebuilt engine and I don't recall seeing this issue with the previous engine.

Thanks in advance.
John

[Chuck W.]

I would get a good, liquid-filled test gauge and connect it directly to the block.
$12. on e-bay

[JohnK]

Thanks Chuck, I have a new gauge coming today.

[JohnK]

Added a quart of oil and all is well.  Must has lost the quart during initial running - out the pan, out of the oil canister, and other assorted places until I tightened things up.

[Mark W.]

My dodge Dakota with a 3.9L V6 will drop to zero going around a sharp corner when the oil is more then a quart and a half low. so it is a thing that can happen.