low psi...
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 74
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From: Springfield, MO
low psi... my car runs at around 20-25 pounds of oil pressure no matter how fast or how high the rpms. shouldn't that be a little higher? and if so what could be the problem? thanks
T-Pat
T-Pat
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Verdad Gallardo
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,294
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From: Dallas (Richardson), TX, USA
If you're using 10W40 and getting pressures that low, then something is wrong. It's probably the oil pump needing replacement. You don't have any odd sounds like a knock or something in the motor, do you? If so, that might explain it.
I hope, for your sake, that it's just the oil pump. That's probably the cause.
I hope, for your sake, that it's just the oil pump. That's probably the cause.
Castrol is good oil. and a delco filter should be fine. I would say there is probably something wrong with the gauge or the pump. hook up a mechanical gauge and take a reading.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 1,160
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
When you change the oil pump, there will be 2 different size O-rings for the pickup tube. Always use the thicker of the two. I used the thinner one at first and had crappy oil pressure, so I had to tear the whole thing back apart and stick the thicker one in. I have 150K on my engine and it pulls 35PSI at 900 RPM idle and up to 65-75PSI at higher RPMs. Your engine should be fine once you replace the pump. If not, you have bearing issues.
When you change the oil pump, there will be 2 different size O-rings for the pickup tube. Always use the thicker of the two. I used the thinner one at first and had crappy oil pressure, so I had to tear the whole thing back apart and stick the thicker one in. I have 150K on my engine and it pulls 35PSI at 900 RPM idle and up to 65-75PSI at higher RPMs. Your engine should be fine once you replace the pump. If not, you have bearing issues.
theres a good chance that the oil pump could increase the pressure, but with 125k, possibly a hard 125k miles, theres probably some wear resulting in increased bearing clearances and causing low pressure, hopefully for you its just the pump, good luck!
More than likely your Oil Pump is having few issues, but also bearing clearances over time, pick up, etc. could be problems.
Hook up a mechanical gauge first to see if it is not the faulty GM gauges.
If still low, pick up an LS6 pump or high volume unit, and replace. Should be 3 hours or so. (While you are at it, you should add in a cam and what not too.
)
Hook up a mechanical gauge first to see if it is not the faulty GM gauges.
If still low, pick up an LS6 pump or high volume unit, and replace. Should be 3 hours or so. (While you are at it, you should add in a cam and what not too.
) I say the first step should be to check pressure manually. Even if it is a pain in the *** its not going to surpass the cost of a new oil pump and the time required to change it out.