Oil Pressure Professionals
I'd say check the screen on the pickup like already suggested.
But you may be suffering from all the hallmarks of a "loose" engine as well, so upping the viscosity to a 5w-30 or even a 5w-40 (with or without Lucas oil stabilizer) should be a good test prior. Just to see if raising the viscosity will stabilize pressure.. If it does, then you will know that a new engine is probably the best investment.......... Try it with some cheaper conventional oil, which tends to run on the thicker side when compared to thinner synthetics.
If upping the viscosity still results in a stable decline, then drop the pan and see whats going on.
Given cold temps are yielding good pressure, I'd say that there is probably nothing wrong with your oil pump screen. Just guessing..
Were your tensioner guides broken into pieces when you tore them out for replacement? If they were, then the remaining debris from the tensioners could be your blockage in the oil pan..
Where did you tap in for your oil pressure gauge? By the factory sending unit with a T?
Keep us posted!
But you may be suffering from all the hallmarks of a "loose" engine as well, so upping the viscosity to a 5w-30 or even a 5w-40 (with or without Lucas oil stabilizer) should be a good test prior. Just to see if raising the viscosity will stabilize pressure.. If it does, then you will know that a new engine is probably the best investment.......... Try it with some cheaper conventional oil, which tends to run on the thicker side when compared to thinner synthetics.
If upping the viscosity still results in a stable decline, then drop the pan and see whats going on.
Given cold temps are yielding good pressure, I'd say that there is probably nothing wrong with your oil pump screen. Just guessing..
Were your tensioner guides broken into pieces when you tore them out for replacement? If they were, then the remaining debris from the tensioners could be your blockage in the oil pan..
Where did you tap in for your oil pressure gauge? By the factory sending unit with a T?
Keep us posted!
Last edited by Especial86; Apr 15, 2013 at 09:15 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 267
Likes: 10
I'd say check the screen on the pickup like already suggested.
But you may be suffering from all the hallmarks of a "loose" engine as well, so upping the viscosity to a 5w-30 or even a 5w-40 (with or without Lucas oil stabilizer) should be a good test prior. Just to see if raising the viscosity will stabilize pressure.. If it does, then you will know that a new engine is probably the best investment.......... Try it with some cheaper conventional oil, which tends to run on the thicker side when compared to thinner synthetics.
If upping the viscosity still results in a stable decline, then drop the pan and see whats going on.
Given cold temps are yielding good pressure, I'd say that there is probably nothing wrong with your oil pump screen. Just guessing..
Were your tensioner guides broken into pieces when you tore them out for replacement? If they were, then the remaining debris from the tensioners could be your blockage in the oil pan..
Where did you tap in for your oil pressure gauge? By the factory sending unit with a T?
Keep us posted!
But you may be suffering from all the hallmarks of a "loose" engine as well, so upping the viscosity to a 5w-30 or even a 5w-40 (with or without Lucas oil stabilizer) should be a good test prior. Just to see if raising the viscosity will stabilize pressure.. If it does, then you will know that a new engine is probably the best investment.......... Try it with some cheaper conventional oil, which tends to run on the thicker side when compared to thinner synthetics.
If upping the viscosity still results in a stable decline, then drop the pan and see whats going on.
Given cold temps are yielding good pressure, I'd say that there is probably nothing wrong with your oil pump screen. Just guessing..
Were your tensioner guides broken into pieces when you tore them out for replacement? If they were, then the remaining debris from the tensioners could be your blockage in the oil pan..
Where did you tap in for your oil pressure gauge? By the factory sending unit with a T?
Keep us posted!
My tensioner guides were completely in-tack. no pieces are in the pan.
I tapped into the Left Head. There is a 1/4" NPT plug there that i removed and installed a 90* fitting then some line then the gauge.
I think I gotta pull the engine this weekend....
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 151
Likes: 12
I feel your pain man. I just dropped mine back in about 700 miles ago and my oil pressure started dropping on the gauge at hot idle in drive. Just bottoming out. It ran 500 miles before it ever started doing it. It would happen everytime I stopped at a red light or something hot and would just bottom out until the revs came up. I changed the oil for the first time today and it hasn't done it yet and I tried to make it. I guess I just have to wait a see. I know it's a different issue but pulling a motor is pulling a motor. And it sucks in these trucks. I found it easier to leave drivers side motor mount on the motor and remove the big bolt going thru mount onto the frame and just remove the three bolts on the passenger block. Definately pull the intake manifold off. Make sure the preacher ain't around when you pull the starter. And don't forget to take the bolt out of the passenger block that holds the tranny dipstick. My transmission bled for about 30 minute before I realized I had pulled the dipstick out. Any other questions on pulling it just pm me
Last edited by Nothin' Fancy; Apr 16, 2013 at 12:33 AM.