Loss of oil pressure

[green57]

Gents,
Was driving to work when I started losing oil pressure gauge went almost to “zero” but came back up a little at low rpms but then proceeded to drop again.
I inspected the car after work and found that it still had oil in the pan, half way between “add” and “full”; however, there was about an eight inch diameter puddle of oil on the ground at the aft part of the engine. Also looked at the driveway when I got home and there was a puddle there also. Not there the day before.
I has been freezing here and oil pressure was running a high until the engine warmed up. So I’m thinking the rear main seal gave up the ghost on start up. It is thirty-three years old after all.
I know that would explain the oil on the ground but would this also cause the loss in oil pressure.
I think a rear main seal replacement is required what else should I do while the car is on the lift?
Thank you for any help and advice.
G57

[Raven855]

Have you found your problem yet? I would be checking the valve cover gasket. They are known to leak, especially at the back. The evac can on the valve cover is known to loosen up. One other item that is known to happen is that rotating the engine backwards(especially during a timing belt replacement) can put pressure on the oil pump bypass and cause it to stick open.

[8T6 SVO]

How about the pressure sender unit? could that be leaking?

[rodster]

Were all your other gauges reading OK? I have an intermittent problem when the fuel gauge won't work when the car is running but don't remember if the issue is with the oil pressure gauge at the same time? I mean, the gas gauge is the most important right? :3stooges: