Oil pressure issues

**jrbonds** · 07-20-2011, 07:44 AM

So here's the deal. I read thread after thread and after thread. I got answers, but not enough, so I thought I would a few more detailed questions.

Over 100,xxx miles on motor.

1. My low oil light comes on about every 3 weeks. Oil level is usually low. But I also have a leaky oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets and sometimes I just space out about checking the oil till that light comes on unless its oil change time.. Could the PCV stuff be leaky also? Where do I check for those?

2. Last week after extreme temps outside, my oil gauge starting floating all over the place. Never going below 20 PSI. But enough for me to take notice that it wasn't acting like it usually does. Since I have a gauge pillar pod, I want to install an aftermarket oil pressure unit, are there instructions on how to do this on a LS1 somewhere on the internet?

3. or should I just change the stock sending unit.

4. Last but not least, my worst fear.....what should I be looking for with a bad oil pump? I have no engine noise whatsoever. But I still would like some signs and symptoms of the oil pump going bad. Hell I don't even know where the oil pump is on this engine, I would assume in the oil pan, but I though I read that the oil pumps on LS1's were external. IDK.

Appreciate any information and advice you can give me.

***SMWS6TA*** · 07-20-2011, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by jrbonds

So here's the deal. I read thread after thread and after thread. I got answers, but not enough, so I thought I would a few more detailed questions.

Over 100,xxx miles on motor.

1. My low oil light comes on about every 3 weeks. Oil level is usually low. But I also have a leaky oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets and sometimes I just space out about checking the oil till that light comes on unless its oil change time.. Could the PCV stuff be leaky also? Where do I check for those?

2. Last week after extreme temps outside, my oil gauge starting floating all over the place. Never going below 20 PSI. But enough for me to take notice that it wasn't acting like it usually does. Since I have a gauge pillar pod, I want to install an aftermarket oil pressure unit, are there instructions on how to do this on a LS1 somewhere on the internet?

3. or should I just change the stock sending unit.

4. Last but not least, my worst fear.....what should I be looking for with a bad oil pump? I have no engine noise whatsoever. But I still would like some signs and symptoms of the oil pump going bad. Hell I don't even know where the oil pump is on this engine, I would assume in the oil pan, but I though I read that the oil pumps on LS1's were external. IDK.

Appreciate any information and advice you can give me.

1. Yes The PCV can leak oil in several places. Not only that but also vacuum leaks. Ever since I change to the LS6 VCT and a catch can I haven't had to to top off my oil in 5 months. (yes I still check it)

2. I would be start looking for an oil pump. it jumping like that is a early sign that it's on it's way out. It also could be a bad OPSU. Replacing that would be a cheaper option to check first. THE OPSU does go bad and over time with many hot/cold cycles they become brittle.

**PFM** · 07-20-2011, 09:25 AM

This is a good spot to mount your oil sending unit for the pillar gauge. I hope you change your oil and just not keep topping it off or your motors gonna get sludged up.
oiltap.jpg