I recently resurrected my '87 Trooper (2.3) from a long sleep - thanks in part to the folks on this forum.

However, now that it is running, I have what I THINK is just a wiring or sensor issue. When I start the engine, the oil gauge (factory) indicates slightly over 55 psi and the oil light is not on. After about 10 minutes or so of running, the gauge will gradually drop down to the low end of the "acceptable range" indicated on the dial - around 30 psi at 3000 rpm, but the oil light will come on. There doesn't seem to be any loss of performance when it comes on.

Does this sound okay? Is there a separate oil pressure switch to the oil light? (The two wiring diagrams I've looked at seem to indicate different things).

I've been driving it for short trips with the rationalization that if the gauge is okay then the engine is probably fine.

I don't know if it makes a difference but I'm running 10W30 oil in it now. It's only got a few hundred miles on it, but already it's black. Also, this vehicle had been sitting for several years. I had trouble getting it started, but it seems to run okay now (I did use a fair ammount of starter fluid, which I understand is bad).

Thanks for your help.