Grve66

iTrader: (3)

Hello all,
I just built a Ls2 403 c.i and I am having trouble with oil pressure. around 12psi

Things i have checked are
1. dumbell in the rear
2. oil galley plug in the front
3. has new rear cover plate.

Motor has a brand new melling HP pump.

My question is. I am running a autokraft oil pan and it came with a oil filter mount in factory location.
I plugged the two ports on the side of the oil filter block instead of running the factory bypass plate cause i have a very tight clearance issue..

could this be my issue?

bad67ls

iTrader: (2)

i think oil has to flow from one port to the other if i am not mistaken...

jerry lopaz

iTrader: (1)

yes that is your problem, oil must flow from one port to the other

Grve66

iTrader: (3)

this is the filter adaptor i am using. and I plugged the 2 side ports



well I hope that is all it is..

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

As mentioned.. It HAS to be open. Depending on how long you've run the engine, there could be brg damage....

Grve66

iTrader: (3)

well engine maybe has 20 min total run time and 90 % at idle with 12 psi pressure. I revved it up a few times but but mostly idle..

VodeAn

iTrader: (2)

With only 12 psi any wear would likely be in the head, 12 psi should still get enough oil to the bearings at low rpm and no load. If you drove it I'd be a lot more worried.

bigboykilroy

iTrader: (48)

If this part circled in red is what you did NOT use and you just blocked the 2 ports on that adapter, that is your issue low pressure issue.

As you can see from the oil path on the LS1 you just starved your top end, bearings, lifters and rockers for oil for 20 min, not good at all!

I would definately take it back apart and see what damage you caused.

99NavyTA

iTrader: (31)

The oil was probably leaking past the dumbell or damaged it, since you saw 15psi on your gauge.

1dirtybird

iTrader: (7)

I'm with you on this. I cant believe you had ANY pressure at all. Ive seen them blow out the filter gasket when the oil cooler line got crimped on an LS7, due to an accident.

You may have some damage. Put the correct cover on and see what you got.

bigboykilroy

iTrader: (48)

Either that or just back building pressure form the pump and air in the system since it could not cycle.
No matter thought it’s not good at all and it definitely warrants a teardown to check for damage.

Grve66

iTrader: (3)

well if it's any concilation. I did pour oil all over the both banks of rockers and lifters within 5 min of start up and heavy amounts of assembly lube was used when building.

also noticed a small drizzle out of the pushrod tube.. It was actually very quiet and had no engine knock or lifter noise and was quite smooth..

Gonna drain and inspect oil, getting rid of the oil fiter and adaptor and going with a remote style set up.

Thanks Guys

Grve66

iTrader: (3)

Also I filled the motor through the oil port behind the alt. I ended up putting 8 quarts in cause it would not squirt out the pushrods... Now I know why...

bigboykilroy

iTrader: (48)

how did you actually bock off the ports? did you tap them and thread in plugs or just put a flat cover plate over it?

Grve66

iTrader: (3)

I tapped amd threaded in allen head socket plugs. I did not have clearance for any type of cover plate.

I ended up going with a remote oil filter setup and ditching that oil adaptor

bigboykilroy

iTrader: (48)

Got ya, I hope all is ok with the engine. Did you get a change to pull it out and look at a few of the bearings?