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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Oil pump o-ring pinching is a known issue with all LS engines.

 

Thats kinda BS coming from GM as a crate engine. What kind of QC they got?? Did they replace it for you at least??

 

i hope you send them that picture and tell them that!. if anything happens to that motor it better be under warranty!!!!!!!!

 

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.

 

Just had a crate engine put in my 2012 camaro ss after 80 000 miles just got to 11,000 on new one back to shop no oil pressure told me turn off car now looks like a 3rd engine coming ...I'm about to give up on camaros

 

cam dude. I was considering a LS3/480 engine because I didn’t want to deal with working on engines anymore. I didn’t realize GM still has these issues.

When the new engine comes in, I’d run a pan baffle and a pick up brace ( EGM-500) from IMPROVED RACING for a pc. of mind. I’d reseal(R&R) the pick-up tube to make sure it’s done correctly. I’d also prime/pressurize the oiling system until oil comes out all of the rockers BEFORE ever turning the motor over.

a lot of people may think that’s a wast of time, I considering it a investment .

 

Block the oil tube pickup and pressurize the LF engine oil galley (16Mx1.5) to 20psi and watch oil (or listen if using air) pour out the relief bypass hole back to pan area.