Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Tools Required
- J 21867 Pressure Gage and Hose Assembly. See Special Tools and Equipment .
- J 42907 Oil Pressure Testing Tool
- With the vehicle on a level surface, run the vehicle for a few minutes, allow adequate drain down time of 2-3 minutes and measure the oil level.
- If required, add the recommended grade engine oil and fill the crankcase until the oil level measures full on the oil level indicator.
- Run the engine briefly, 10-15 seconds, and verify low or no oil pressure on the vehicle gauge or light.
- Listen for a noisy valve train or a knocking noise.
- Inspect for the following conditions:
- Oil diluted by water or glycol - antifreeze
- Foamy oil
- Remove the oil filter and install the J 42907 .
- Install J 21867 or equivalent to the. See Special Tools and Equipment . J 42907 .
- Run the engine and measure the engine oil pressure.
- Compare the readings to Engine Mechanical Specifications (LS1) or Engine Mechanical Specifications (LS6) .
- If the engine oil pressure is below specifications, inspect the engine for one or more of the following conditions:
- Oil pump worn or dirty
Refer to Oil Pump Cleaning and Inspection .
- Oil pump-to-engine block bolts loose
- Oil pump screen loose, plugged, or damaged
- Oil pump screen O-ring seal missing or damaged
- Malfunctioning oil pump pressure regulator valve
- Excessive bearing clearance
- Cracked, porous, or restricted oil galleries
- Oil gallery plugs missing or incorrectly installed
Refer to Engine Block Plug Installation .
- Broken valve lifters
Repair as necessary
- Oil pump worn or dirty
- If the oil pressure reading on the J 21867
or equivalent is within specifications, inspect for the following conditions:
- Plugged or incorrect oil filter and/or malfunctioning oil bypass valve
- Malfunctioning oil pressure gage or sensor
Repair as necessary.