I admit defeat.
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Sounds like quite the ordeal - best of luck with the builder and with whatever decision you go with.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
What is the lowest oil reading you have gotten? 19-25psi when hot under a high demand is acceptable. You could also be getting an erroneous signal from your sending unit.
I would think that the engine would get real noisy under true oil starvation. The lifters would be causing all kinds of noise. Secondly you have gone through the entire oil system twice. An internal bearing issue or clog would not usually be intermittent. Unless there is a plastic bag floating around in the oil pan.
I would think that the engine would get real noisy under true oil starvation. The lifters would be causing all kinds of noise. Secondly you have gone through the entire oil system twice. An internal bearing issue or clog would not usually be intermittent. Unless there is a plastic bag floating around in the oil pan.
Last edited by Rob 02; Dec 20, 2016 at 11:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 40
From: Longview WA
What is the lowest oil reading you have gotten? 19-25psi when hot under a high demand is acceptable. You could also be getting an erroneous signal from your sending unit.
I would think that the engine would get real noisy under true oil starvation. The lifters would be causing all kinds of noise. Secondly you have gone through the entire oil system twice. An internal bearing issue or clog would not usually be intermittent. Unless there is a plastic bag floating around in the oil pan.
I would think that the engine would get real noisy under true oil starvation. The lifters would be causing all kinds of noise. Secondly you have gone through the entire oil system twice. An internal bearing issue or clog would not usually be intermittent. Unless there is a plastic bag floating around in the oil pan.
Under load... 30~psi at 4-5k rpm (once it started dropping)
I agree it doesn't sound like clearances, because that should be present at all times (although could be the reason for sub-typical oil psi at idle, so it could be present at all times, and the psi drops at high rpm due to it... not sure)
We really have done everything out side the block I can think of.
Last edited by derz_vette; Dec 21, 2016 at 12:08 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
I would check inside the oil pan. There could be a rag, plastic or tape in there from the engine build.
I was wondering too, if the oil sender could be different on the LS3.
I have built several LS engines and there isn't a whole lot parts inside that restrict flow in the way you are describing. And no lifter noise.
I was wondering too, if the oil sender could be different on the LS3.
I have built several LS engines and there isn't a whole lot parts inside that restrict flow in the way you are describing. And no lifter noise.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 40
From: Longview WA
I would check inside the oil pan. There could be a rag, plastic or tape in there from the engine build.
I was wondering too, if the oil sender could be different on the LS3.
I have built several LS engines and there isn't a whole lot parts inside that restrict flow in the way you are describing. And no lifter noise.
I was wondering too, if the oil sender could be different on the LS3.
I have built several LS engines and there isn't a whole lot parts inside that restrict flow in the way you are describing. And no lifter noise.
-We are currently running a mechanical gauge where the sending unit is... so not even relying on electronics at this point. (and have used multiple gauges... they aren't broken._
I'll post up a video when i can.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 40
From: Longview WA
I agree, the idle really isn't an "issue", It is simply the fact oil pressure stops building and starts dropping the higher the rpm above 4k... Don't know what happening inside the block, and its not worth driving the ticking time bomb around :| As others have suggested.. if the builder won't step up and cover some of the labor costs they have incurred on me (they did have a wrong cam gear in there first off) then I'll request a refund, and find another engine I can throw in maybe.
otherwise... toastito vette
otherwise... toastito vette
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 40
From: Longview WA
A video of the issue:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B11...ew?usp=sharing
A pic of the oil orings I have - the orange one was in the engine previously, and we used another similar that was included with the TSP pump. As you can see, there is no damage to the oring, and the orange fits the best out of all the orings. I originally thought the black oring was supposed to be used.
If you want me to host these on imgur, just let me know. I don't know how informational they are.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...Dg?usp=sharing
In the background of one of the pics, you can see the incorrect cam wheel we removed. I forgot to get a good pic of it.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B11...ew?usp=sharing
A pic of the oil orings I have - the orange one was in the engine previously, and we used another similar that was included with the TSP pump. As you can see, there is no damage to the oring, and the orange fits the best out of all the orings. I originally thought the black oring was supposed to be used.
If you want me to host these on imgur, just let me know. I don't know how informational they are.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...Dg?usp=sharing
In the background of one of the pics, you can see the incorrect cam wheel we removed. I forgot to get a good pic of it.
Last edited by derz_vette; Dec 21, 2016 at 07:07 PM. Reason: adding info
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 40
From: Longview WA
I'll check this tomorrow with a boreoscope. Wouldn't there be larger issues if the galley plug was missing? Filter wouldn't be working and would be just stumped with oil. Also - wouldn't it leak out the back? Or is there a back plate that would drain the oil back to the pan?
.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 40
From: Longview WA
Yup - I actually have the little billet one from SCC(?) on hand as well... although if it is missing...
I can see this from the oil filter intake port correct? Atleast the end of the barbell.
I can see this from the oil filter intake port correct? Atleast the end of the barbell.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
I got a feeling the problem is on the suction side of the pump. Either restriction or it is sucking air through a leak. I am assuming you tried more than one filter.
BTW the engine sounds awesome.
BTW the engine sounds awesome.
