My oil pressure gauge (stock/in dash gauge) shows 0 at idle. It slowly rises as i accelerate.......well, at idle and when i step on the gas and hold it around 2500 RPM, it just barely makes it to the first line. (How much pressure this is, i don't know)

Is this correct?

My Chilton books refers to an "oil level sensor" in the oil pan, is this where my pressure gauge is getting it's reading from?

I would much rather change a sensor, then have to change the oil pump.....that seems like a job!

 

what car,engine???etc.....

 

It's a 94 Z28, Lt1

I was also wondering, what drives the oil pump?

 

You could have a defective oil pressure sensor (not oil level sensor), maybe a wiring issue or even a gauge problem (not too common). If you unplug the sensor and turn the key ON, the gauge should deflect to the highest reading. That will generally tell you if your gauge and wiring is ok.

On a 1994, the pressure sensor is on the side of the block above the oil filter on early models or behind the intake on top of the block on later models (you can look on my Tech Page for pictures).

The pump is driven by a gear assy from the camshaft, then through a rod down to the oil pump.