Oil Pressure

[bsneade]

When I come to hard stops the oil pressure in the 89 drops to about 4psi. I checked the oil level and it is fine. When in idle or running I think it is around 30-50psi which I guess is normal.. Any ideas why?

[ArmyVette]

Brad, I'm not a mechanic but I think 4 psi is a little low. How quickly does the pressure recover after the car comes to a stop?

Not certain but I don't believe the oil pressure sensor is in the oil pan where it would be affected by quick stops or starts. Call Koon's and talk to one of the service reps. They can check it in their tech manuals.

Jeff

[bsneade]

Thanks..
The oil pressure returns as soon as the stop is complete.

[Black396]

Could be a number of things. Is it a mechanical or the original electrical oil gauge?

Most likely is that the oil pump is on its way out.

[EbVette]

Brad,

Most likely the oil sender has a stem that goes into the oil pump, this sender pipe has a tendency to become loose at the point it fastens to the oil pump. Many cases the oil sender screen is below the oil level, but the pipe that sends the oil to the pump is above the oil level. Air gets into the oil pump line (sender) that causes the PSI to drop at idle. This eventually causes the oil pump to go bad after time. The fix, replace oil pump and sender unit. Make sure the pump is bolted in good and tight, use lock tight. BTW when you drop your oil pan and you can move the sender unit (including pipe) then its bad, unless you can tighten it up and usually you are only buying time. Hope this helps. Been there...[:D]

[urtoslo]

Brad,

On my Vette the oil pressure switches are where the distributor is on your car. I have two, one for the dash display and the other for the idiot light for when it is really low pressure. They both look like little mushrooms on metal pipes that come our of the block. It might not be a bad idea to replace your switch(s) first.

Andrej

[Woods977]

Brad,

On my Vette the oil pressure switches are where the distributor is on your car. I have two, one for the dash display and the other for the idiot light for when it is really low pressure. They both look like little mushrooms on metal pipes that come our of the block. It might not be a bad idea to replace your switch(s) first.

Andrej

I'm with Dre on this replace both sending units. If that doesn't fix it then Mike and Collin are correct that pump it sucking air and needs replacing. This is the quickest way to whipe your main bearings out. Please do not drive your vette until you have fixed it. If the pick up falls off in the oil pan your hosed. This pick up is a press fit from the factory. Have who ever works on it tack weld the a new pick to the new oil pump. You can call John Sealock if you need a Great mechanic. Both Sarver and myself go to him. He's the best I have seen. He's a parts replacer he knows about cars mainly Vettes