is this normal---pics inside
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TECH Apprentice
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From: Blue Springs, Missouri
is this normal---pics inside I'm just wondering if this is normal for my oil pressure with this age and mileage, seems to stay low even crusing around town, only goes to 40 or above when on the highway or I give it lots of gas, also goes a little lower sometimes
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TECH Apprentice
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From: Blue Springs, Missouri
Ya I guess I may have to, not the first time I had to just fix the broken, my last t/a was a 98 with a 144k miles and bent a push rod and broke the lifter tray so the lifter spun and chewed the cam up, I had to replace the cam, lifters, trays and all gaskets with stock stuff, witch only took a day but sucks I couldn't upgrade at the time
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Anything over 15 or 20 psi at idle is fine. remember, its only spinning at 700 rpm or so. if the Oil pressure increases with rpm then i wouldnt worry. Its possible you could have a OPS malfuntion as well if your having problems.
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
That doesn't look too bad to me, considering the miles, year, and stock A4 idle rpms (that tach isn't totally accurate, if you have stock tuning then your idle speed is 550rpm in gear and 650rpm in P/N).
The same oil pump was used from '98-'00 in these cars. There is nothing that's specific to only '98s in terms of the oil pump. There were a small percentage that failed within those model years, mostly when they were still new-ish/low mileage. Often there was no warning sign, and the problem wasn't "low" oil pressure, it was a sudden case of ZERO oil pressure, due to the valve sticking.
The normal oil pressure readings in a '01-'02 car will usually be a bit higher, because they use the LS6 pump. This does not automatically mean that your pump is bad nor is it a required upgrade for the older cars, but it's one that many people do during a cam swap.
M6 cars will show a tad higher oil pressure in stock form as well, since their factory idle speed is higher (800rpm).
With a higher mileage engine like that, engine wear can also be a factor when it comes to oil pressure. Even if you change the pump, your readings may still not be exactly where a brand new LS1 engine would be.
The same oil pump was used from '98-'00 in these cars. There is nothing that's specific to only '98s in terms of the oil pump. There were a small percentage that failed within those model years, mostly when they were still new-ish/low mileage. Often there was no warning sign, and the problem wasn't "low" oil pressure, it was a sudden case of ZERO oil pressure, due to the valve sticking.
The normal oil pressure readings in a '01-'02 car will usually be a bit higher, because they use the LS6 pump. This does not automatically mean that your pump is bad nor is it a required upgrade for the older cars, but it's one that many people do during a cam swap.
M6 cars will show a tad higher oil pressure in stock form as well, since their factory idle speed is higher (800rpm).
With a higher mileage engine like that, engine wear can also be a factor when it comes to oil pressure. Even if you change the pump, your readings may still not be exactly where a brand new LS1 engine would be.
Your oil is fine. Oil pressure should be around 50-60psi COLD START. Once warmed up it will drop to around 30-40 area idle or slow driving. Your temp is kinda high though being a 98, might wanna check for head gasket leaks. 98 fbodies temps read different then the other years, the other years get around 210, the 98's don't unless your WOT or you got a leak somewhere.
When I say gasket leaks, I mean the very small spot they leak from in the back. All ls1's seem to get this when they get up in the miles, it isn't a big deal but when you do a cam swap id check it out
When I say gasket leaks, I mean the very small spot they leak from in the back. All ls1's seem to get this when they get up in the miles, it isn't a big deal but when you do a cam swap id check it out
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From: Blue Springs, Missouri
Ya I noticed my temp will get to 210 when at idle and just today it went a tad over 210, but as soon as I drive the car it goes back down to the 1/4 mark and doent go back up, thanks for everyones input on my oil pressure, I was hoping since it made it 127k miles with out a problem then it should hold up awhile longer
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From: Blue Springs, Missouri
Alson thanks for the info on the oil pumps, I didn't know everything about them, I just want the motor to stay in good shape so I can sell the engine to help fund the new one going in at some point
The spec in the GM service manual is 6 psig @1000 rpms and that's minimum oil pressure - hot. The rest goes 18 psig @2000 and 24 psig @4000 so I think your well above fine.