C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

oil and cooling problems

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Old May 14, 2009 | 06:18 PM
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Default oil and cooling problems

my 86 oil pressure reads between 0 and 2 when it is idle and when i put it in drive and give it gas the oil pressure goes up to about 15 to 16 psi but drops when i stop or put it in park, oil pressure only stays up as long as i hold the gas. What could be causing this and what is the normal oil pressure it should be reading? also my coolant temp reads about 250 which is within the norm and when i give it gas while in drive the temp sinks to about 220 - 230 then steadily increases until it goes over 260 and higher which is overheating. this cooling problem happens in both park and drive and with the engine idle as well. what could be causing the coolant to do that?
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Old May 14, 2009 | 09:52 PM
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Default oil pres.

Got to fix oil pres. first could be cloged screen bad pump bad berrings. must use oil pres. tester first may be bad gage Fix oil pres first then eng. temp!
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Old May 14, 2009 | 11:00 PM
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what should be the normal pressure it should be indicating?
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Old May 14, 2009 | 11:31 PM
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you need to verify both conditions first but it seems like your engine is overheating due to lack of oil pressure. You may have HUGE problems....
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Old May 15, 2009 | 02:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Mark85Vett
you need to verify both conditions first but it seems like your engine is overheating due to lack of oil pressure. You may have HUGE problems....
well 8 yrs ago up until my brother messed up the distributor it never had these problems. trying to resurrect the car. i suspect that the coolant going up and down may be due to my thermostat stuck closed plus i havent flushed out the radiator yet.i got a water pump ready to be installed. i just finally got the car to run and stay running after numerous replacement parts i got for it. the only problems i have is the coolant temp, oil pressure, and finding out how to make the car start on the first time rather than pumping gas into it then start up fine after wards until i turn it off and leave it there for at least 8 hours.IM pretty sure this is my tps, but im trying to figure out wat to do about my cooling and oil pressure mainly.
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Old May 15, 2009 | 08:36 AM
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I would remove the oil pressure sender and install a mechanical gauge to verify those low numbers, first.
Pull your stat, STAT !! , if it's stuck closed, nothing good can happen.
High engine temps will lower your oil pressure. Might be part of the problem.

Dose your cooling fan operate properly ??

http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Co...%20Control.pdf

http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Co...0View%2086.pdf
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Old May 15, 2009 | 08:51 AM
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I've heard there is something in the oil filter that can cause this. If memory serves me right the use of RTV clogs something in them ... sorry just cant remember what the issue was, anyways this can lead to the low oil pressure your seeing and the sender itself.
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Old May 15, 2009 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by AGENT 86
I would remove the oil pressure sender and install a mechanical gauge to verify those low numbers, first.
Pull your stat, STAT !! , if it's stuck closed, nothing good can happen.
High engine temps will lower your oil pressure. Might be part of the problem.

Dose your cooling fan operate properly ??

http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Co...%20Control.pdf

http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Co...0View%2086.pdf
well agent ur right!!!! my oil pressure is actually normal when i start up my car parked and idle, and when in drive, then drops all the way to zero as soon as the car coolant temp hits 200*. I think it may have to do with me only putting 4 quarts of oil instead of 5 and also someone told me to use a thicker oil and im wondering what kind i should use?. but thanks alot agent. i got my stat now all i need to do is flush the radiator change the stat then drive to the tire shop and get my tires changed and i can finally drive it, i just repaired the cluster guages and i can finally see numbers!!
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Old May 16, 2009 | 01:20 AM
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well i changed the oil sending unit and replaced the stat and it runs like a champ now. finally after 5 months its in good mechanical and electrical working order, now all i got to do is cosmetic work, at least now i can finally drive it.
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Old May 16, 2009 | 01:37 AM
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All's well that ends well!
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