"LOW OIL PRESSURE"
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 77
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From: Corvette, City
"LOW OIL PRESSURE"
I restarted my car after filling up the gas tank tonight and the DIC reported "LOW OIL PRESSURE". I notice the oil pressure meter was sitting on zero. So I immediately turned the motor off and checked the oil level, which was full. I restarted the motor and the oil pressure came up to 17-20psi at idle, which seemed low? While driving home and the motor was revving the oil pressure seemed normal 35-50psi but while idling the oil pressure would drop to back down to 17-20psi.
Other Vitals were:
Oil Temp = 208
Coolant Temp = 190
Does anyone have any input?
Other Vitals were:
Oil Temp = 208
Coolant Temp = 190
Does anyone have any input?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,947
Likes: 0
From: Howell MI.
Re: "LOW OIL PRESSURE" (RacerXq)
Check your oil pressure sending unit
How many miles and what oil
What year is the vette ?
I have a 2000 and changed out my oil pump to the Katech
Good Luck
John Sr.
How many miles and what oil
What year is the vette ?
I have a 2000 and changed out my oil pump to the Katech
Good Luck
John Sr.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Re: "LOW OIL PRESSURE" (RacerXq)
What filter brand and part# did you use?
Since reading the GM LS1 Crate Engine Installation Manual, and seeing GM specify synthetic 10W-30...not 5W-30...I've been going that route.
No reason 5W-30 shouldn't build enough pressure to keep the DIC quiet tho...that's why I asked about your filter.
For this racing season I've even stocked up on Mobil Delvac-1 5W-40.
Since reading the GM LS1 Crate Engine Installation Manual, and seeing GM specify synthetic 10W-30...not 5W-30...I've been going that route.
No reason 5W-30 shouldn't build enough pressure to keep the DIC quiet tho...that's why I asked about your filter.
For this racing season I've even stocked up on Mobil Delvac-1 5W-40.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,047
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Re: "LOW OIL PRESSURE" (RacerXq)
... and the DIC reported "LOW OIL PRESSURE". I notice the oil pressure meter was sitting on zero. So I immediately turned the motor off and checked the oil level, which was full. I restarted the motor and the oil pressure came up to 17-20psi at idle, which seemed low? While driving home and the motor was revving the oil pressure seemed normal 35-50psi but while idling the oil pressure would drop to back down to 17-20psi.
......
......
That stated, I think you should be concerned with the CHANGE in oil pressure readings. The "LOW OIL PRESSURE" warning, and the fact that the car oil pressure readings deviated from its historical norms, indicate a problem.
As the car is under warranty, I would take it back to the dealer for a checkout. Most likely the problem is a just bad sending unit, but it could be an actual problem with the pump etc. This is a problem the dealer should correct.
If your dealer refuses to correct the problem because the engine is within specification, I would try another dealer. At least get the problem documented in the system.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Re: "LOW OIL PRESSURE" (RacerXq)
Yuck, a Fram on a C5?? Fram filters have gotten a well-deserved bad rap since their insides have been pictorialized...cardboard end caps, less filter media, nasty rubber anti-drainback valve, and cheapo spring holding the filter cartridge against the base plate. Check here for details:
<p>
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/
Next step I'd recommend is swapping the filter (just it, no need for an oil change) with a Delco piece and re-testing. If your local dealer can get you the Ultraguard part it's worth the extra cash, great filtration and flow rate. If not, a regular PF-44 is still a big step above Fram.
[Modified by crainholio, 11:01 PM 4/10/2004]
<p>
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/
Next step I'd recommend is swapping the filter (just it, no need for an oil change) with a Delco piece and re-testing. If your local dealer can get you the Ultraguard part it's worth the extra cash, great filtration and flow rate. If not, a regular PF-44 is still a big step above Fram.
[Modified by crainholio, 11:01 PM 4/10/2004]
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