Oil Pressure Reading Jump

[Southcoast Bump]

My '71 390 normally sits on the very low end of the gauge, around the 'O' in 'Oil' but mid-way through a recent short trip it pretty much pegged the gauge on the high side - this was prior to an oil and filter change, and all other gauges are sitting as they normally would so it appears to be isolated. I realize these gauges aren't precise instruments, but from one extreme to the other seems problematic. There is no change in how the truck runs, temperature, idling or odd sounds. There are no after-market gauges, radios, etc. and no recent work of any kind. I'm thinking the oil pressure switch may be bad? Any other items I should look at before changing the pressure switch out? It's only driven for pleasure around town, not a daily-driver by any means...just my 'toy'. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[Nitekruizer]

Does the gauge go to the top and stay pegged as soon as you turn the key on? If so, then I would say that the oil pressure sender is faulty however, it may not be a bad idea to check the engine wiring harness for a short.

I think the wire for the oil pressure sender is white with a red stripe, IIRC.

[Southcoast Bump]

Thanks Nitekruizer...from a fellow Canuck! It does peg the meter now as soon as I hit the key....I'll put this at the top of my 'to do' list when it comes out of storage in March. I've got a small oil leak to find to as well, so there may be a connection with these two issues...