The oil pressure gage started registering 1/4 instead of it's normal 1/2 even at 1700 rpm. I FREAKED! Thoughts?

An old engine will normally show a lower oil pressure, which may be due to worn bearing, a worn oil pump or both.

A new engine with good bearings will normally show a higher pressure at revs than at idle, and a higher pressure when cold. Putting a worn oil pump back in a new engine (never a good idea without a thorough checkup on it) will modify this situation.

Just going on the readings I'd say your situation now is quite normal. You may even be able to change to an oil one grade less viscous, say 10W instead of 20W depending on your winter temps.

Check your oil level and antifreeze level or change your oil if the problem continues

Sounds like the motor has a lot of miles on it. You can try switching to a higher grade of oil. Instead of 5W-30 use 20W-40 or even 20W-50. You may even try a single viscosity oil like straight 40W in the summer.. If you used Slick 50 or some other oil treatment like that. It will reduce the friction and reduce the oil pressure giving you these kind of readings also. I like Slick 50 but only in newer to medium mileage motors.
Good Luck.

push brakes gages lightsand pressure gage drops down turns on push gaz light tuns off and presure gage goes to normale

Oil pump is failing. Dont keep driving the vehicle.

try replacing the oil sending unit, it should be located near the oil filter

Your oil pressure will flucuate with the rpm of your engine. It is generally higher also when the engine is cold as the oil is thicker. This is normal as long as your oil pressure stay in the normal operatting range.

You need to change your oil sending unit. It is probably clogged up with sludge. It is located in the area of the oil filter.

CHECK GAGES light (1) indicates a potential engine failure(low oil pressure, low coolant, coolant overheating) has occurred.
· Check gages and shut down engine. Gages should read as follows: Oil pressure 5 to 10 psi (34 to 69 kPa) at idle; Water Temp gage below 230 degrees (110 C).
· Check engine oil level (Para 2-11) if OIL PRESS gage indicates low reading. Check coolant level (Para 2-11) if Water Temp gage indicates high reading. Notify Unit Maintenance if levels are low.

If CHECK ENGINE light (2) is on, check engine oil pressure gage (3) and water temperature gage (4). If both indicate normal, proceed with mission and then notify Unit Maintenance. If either one does not indicate normal, stop engine immediately and notify Unit Maintenance

fuses, computer?