2001 Corvette Coupe
165,000 miles
Automatic

Parked the car last night and everything was fine.

This morning started the car and the DIC flashed "No Oil Pressure", also flashed that there was an problem with the ABS.

Engine is not making any knocking sounds but this has me a little gun shy to say the least.

Checked the oil level and it is full. No signs of water in the oil as far as I can tell.

I have replaced two oil pressure sensors in the last year but those failures manifested as oil pressure to high. Needless to say this has scared the peejeebers out of me.

Any suggestions for the shade tree mechanic to try before flatbedding it to the shop.

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August 19

Well restarted the engine this morning. Listened carefully for any sounds of inpending disaster but other than the occasional lifter ping all seemed well. Drove into work and during the fifteen minute commute the oil pressure gauge suddenly started working. That at least stopped the infernal chimes. At traffic stops the oil pressure reading dropped really low in the 4-5 lbs range but since there was no deafening knocking sounds I feel confident it is the oil pressure sensor.

It seems the only real solution is to move the sensor out from under the manifold judging by the other threads on oil sensors. Does this solve the actual sensor failure problem or is it just to make it easier to replace a chronic failure item?

 

happened to me in the 02... oil pressure sending unit

 

Thanks for the quick feedback. I kind of suspected the sensor unit but since this failure was different than the previous ones it just kind of rattled my cage.

Even though I am not hearing knocky knocky bang bang I was hoping to find a method of verifying the presence or absence of oil pressure without having to depend on my poor hearing to alert me to an impending catastrophic failure. Figure by the time engine knock is audible to me that damageis already done.

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

Your valve train will tick loudly before the knock knock monster arrives with the permanent damage.

 

the easiest thing to do is install a mechanical gauge at the left front galley plug.

 

Thanks for the info. I have heard some engines in the past just before they threw a rod through the side of the case and it was a distinct sound to say the least. I was appalled that anyone would drive a car in that condition. Now at 57 with substantial hearing loss I think I can understand the way it happens.

With the hood up I hear nothing more than the typical noise I have heard in the last 50,000 miles. Good news hopefully.

I am trying to be careful as the car's drive train has given me 120,000 plus trouble free miles (bought it with 38,000). I consider that darn good service. If only the oil pressure sensors and electricals where half as reliable.

 

Where do I look for the front galley plug? On the block? On the head?

What identifies the plug?

Will I need to remove the alternator to reach it?

What wrench, socket or special tool will I need to remove the plug?

What is a decent brand of gauge to buy to check the pressure?

Thanks for helping out a shade tree.

 

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...7/P1010001.jpg

I'm not trying to be difficult, but i don't have any tool recommenedations or guidelines, mostly because hooking up a gauge is pretty self explanatory. I would say, if you don't feel comfortable with diving in, then you should probably get the car to a mechanic that you trust who can evaluate the problem.

 

My oil pressure read 0 when my sensor went out last time. It would even bounce back and forth.

Roy

 

Well here is the latest news on OIL PRESSURE!

The meter started hopping up and down. It would rise to 20 psi or so and then drop back to 0. Eventually it dropped to ZERO and stuck there.

Started hearing the lifters rattle and decided to get serious. Took the vehicle into the dealer and the upshot was this.

They attached an external pressure gauge and found no oil pressure. Shop tech seem to think it was the oil pump as there was no debris in the oil filter.

Final upshot is $1500.00 to pull the engine and replace the pump. Oh Well!

 

Are you SURE it is not the sensor. That is EXACTLY what mine did the last time it went out. Dont want to see ya get ripped off.


Roy

 

Oh do I wish it was the pressure sensor. Two separate dealers have doomed and gloomed me with the failed oil pump diagnosis. When I add to that that I can hear the lifters banging away I have no doubt there is no oil pressure.

Thanks for keeping an eye out for me when dealing with the repair services. Just hope the pan is not full of metal parts.