Generation IV Internal Engine - LS3 Crate Engine with no oil pressure




GTM4ME
09-18-2009, 07:12 PM
I really need some help here. I have a brand new LS376/480. I have tried 3 gauges (two electrical and one mechanical) and can't get an oil pressure reading. I removed the gauge and cranked the engine and nothing. I removed the oil filter (which was full of oil) and cranked the engine. Not a drop came out. After talking with GM and hearing about some problems with the o-ring and/or the relief valve spring, I dropped the pan. Before going any further, I thought I would zip tie a plastic bag to the pick up tube and give it a couple cranks. It wanted to suck the bag inside out. It looks like the pump is actually working. What do I need to look for? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mike


cam75w/ls1
09-18-2009, 09:25 PM
I had to pull a plug on the side of the motor(drivers side front)and use a vacuum pump to pull oil through the oil pump to prime it. Once I got oil there it had oil pressure after that. I had previously stuck a oil funnel in the oil pressure port where the oil pressure switch normally goes and gravity fed oil for days thinking it would prime it the other way.

GTM4ME
09-19-2009, 06:40 PM
Found the problem. The o-ring on the oil tube pickup was pinched. Luckily, the pinched part didn't break off and I have to fish it out of the system. Per GM, this is a known problem with the LS3 engine. You would think GM would have fixed it by now.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y119/ffr4020/IMG00270.jpg


LS1MCSS
09-19-2009, 08:41 PM
Oil pump o-ring pinching is a known issue with all LS engines.

cutlass_455
09-19-2009, 11:53 PM
Thats kinda BS coming from GM as a crate engine. What kind of QC they got?? Did they replace it for you at least??

Daryn
09-20-2009, 02:11 AM
i hope you send them that picture and tell them that!. if anything happens to that motor it better be under warranty!!!!!!!!

cam75w/ls1
09-20-2009, 08:22 AM
I thought they dynoed their motors to verify compression and oil pressure. No spark plugs or anything. Motor is spun via electric motor to test.