Hey so today I was drivin my truck around and it was actin normal, then when I came up one of the hills around here about half way up the oil pressure gauge just pegged at max, like above the gauge. So I stopped and checked the oil and it was at a fine level but there was a constant streak of oil like halfway up the stick the first time I pulled it out (I know oil splatters on it etc but its never been this much and so high). So on my way again it was actin just fine then when we were on a big hill on a logging road it pegged even higher, I got to the top and stopped and everything seemed to be ok. Then at the top it started doing the same thing, so I just idled down hoping that would cause it to drop but it remained high, but not as high probably 2/3 across the gauge. Then on the way home I could smell traces of burning oil. Could this be a progression of my backfire/low power/bad fuel economy issues I've been having lately?
Thanks
Geoff

 

Sounds serious... Sounds like you've got some clogging or other restriction on the oil flow. If it weren't for the odd dipstick reading and the smell of burnt oil I'd suggest checking the sensor / gauge first. With these symptoms I suspect there's a real problem...

 

I'm going to give the stealership and probably napa a call today to find out what a new sending unit costs. It's also been smoking a bit in the mornings (more then usual) and is down on power and is missfiring. I was thinking maybe its the headgasket people have been saying for months or a burnt valve, i hope its something simple though.