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Is my oil pump going south?

Metal Twister

Metal Twister

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I put a new to me used 350 chevy in the k5. I also installed a new oil pressure gauge which at best reaqs about 10 psi. At idle it drops down to about 5 lbs. Can a oil pump get weaker? I was under the impression that they would wear out and just quit, but can they get loose and loose pump pressure over time?
 
The spring can get weak, the pump can wear out and the engine bearing can have too much clearance. All will result in low oil pressure. What is it at say 2500 hot?
 
80' 427 said:
The spring can get weak, the pump can wear out and the engine bearing can have too much clearance. All will result in low oil pressure. What is it at say 2500 hot?
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About 10 lbs. Seems to stay there when ever Im on the gas at all. Drops down to a couple of lbs at idle, somethings not right, was hoping it wasnt the bearings so I was going to the easy stuff first. LOL
 
Try a different gauge. I suspect your gauge is faulty. It takes about 15 psi to make the hydraulic lifters pump up so if you aren't hearing a bunch of clacking lifters then you have at least 15 psi of oil.
 
4X4HIGH said:
Try a different gauge. I suspect your gauge is faulty. It takes about 15 psi to make the hydraulic lifters pump up so if you aren't hearing a bunch of clacking lifters then you have at least 15 psi of oil.
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Oh wow, that makes me feel a lot better. didnt know that. I will try that first. :woot:thanks
 
Is this the same engine with the bad rear seal leak?
If so, by all means check the gauge, but badly worn main bearings will not only cause low oil pressure, they will also let the shaft move enough to wallow out rear seals.
 
Fordum said:
Is this the same engine with the bad rear seal leak?
If so, by all means check the gauge, but badly worn main bearings will not only cause low oil pressure, they will also let the shaft move enough to wallow out rear seals.
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Yep same motor. Makes sense, ive got some work to do this next weekend. :doah:Thanks for the help guys
 
Metal Twister said:
About 10 lbs. Seems to stay there when ever Im on the gas at all. Drops down to a couple of lbs at idle, somethings not right, was hoping it wasnt the bearings so I was going to the easy stuff first. LOL
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damnnn. That's low. Mine idles at about 35psi and 50 when I'm cruising.
 
10/30 is like pee.. throw a load of 20/50 in there......
 
20w50 will bump up the pressure at least 5 to 10 pounds.it will also take a lil longer to leak or burn it because of the thickness.
 
If it really was only 5 to 10 pounds you would definitely hear it in the lifters and the rockers would be screamin 4 mercy.id try the 20 50 and anether guage is a good idea.
 
Just an FYI - I had one of these "Is the il pump going out?" moments a long time ago. I was driving up some mountain and the motor downshifted and before I knew it I was on the side of the road with an engine that was really unhappy.

I ruined the entire motor.

If I were you, I would not drive it until I had it figured out, unless you have a spare engine sitting around and want to swap it out some weekend.
 
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