Bad oil sensor or jammed relief spring?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
Bad oil sensor or jammed relief spring? This weekend I installed the LS6 valley cover and intake on my car. Car idles fine but now the oil pressure hovers midway between the red zone and the first tick. My guess is that the spring got jammed with some crap. I slowly took it up to 2000 rpms and the needle didn't budge. Wouldn't a bad sensor show a code?
Any suggestions?
Also, I have a dealer within 3 miles and a good speed shop within 6. If I keep the rpms down how risky is it to drive with the pressure that low?
Thanks in advance.
Any suggestions?
Also, I have a dealer within 3 miles and a good speed shop within 6. If I keep the rpms down how risky is it to drive with the pressure that low?
Thanks in advance.
TECH Resident
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
From: K-W, Ontario
Which spring are you referring to? The oil pump pressure spring?
I believe if that spring sticks, the pressure will build. The spring regulates
the amount of pressure, by allowing the oil pressure to push against a valve.
The harder the spring, the higher the pressure.
Did you forget to install some oil restrictors on the top end of the motor?
I don't see the relation between the oil pump and valley pan otherwise?
Just a thought, I'm not familiar with the LSx oiling system.
I believe if that spring sticks, the pressure will build. The spring regulates
the amount of pressure, by allowing the oil pressure to push against a valve.
The harder the spring, the higher the pressure.
Did you forget to install some oil restrictors on the top end of the motor?
I don't see the relation between the oil pump and valley pan otherwise?
Just a thought, I'm not familiar with the LSx oiling system.
Pressure Relief Valve. Hmmm? Gee, I wonder if that might be used to relieve pressure NOT build pressure. I'll bet the pump builds up pressure and the pressure relief valve reduces pressure. Maybe that's why they call it the pressure RELIEF valve. Then again, maybe not
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
Originally Posted by felton316
It is possible that you cracked the oil sending unit while removing/installing the intake manifold.
Trending Topics
TECH Resident
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
From: K-W, Ontario
Pressure Relief Valve. Hmmm? Gee, I wonder if that might be used to relieve pressure NOT build pressure. I'll bet the pump builds up pressure and the pressure relief valve reduces pressure. Maybe that's why they call it the pressure RELIEF valve.
Read his question again about the spring, then read me post again, very carefully.
I believe if that spring sticks, the pressure will build.
build if the valve doesn't move to relieve pressure.
Here's a pic to show a valve and spring in a Gen 1 SB. Different design, same concept:
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0
Brett Foote
10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever
Verdad Gallardo
Originally Posted by Adrenaline_Z
I'm basically stating it cannot be a stuck spring because the pressure would build if the valve doesn't move to relieve pressure.
In LS1 applications, the pressure relief valve sticks open, not closed. This allows atleast some oil to bypass circulating through the motor.
