Low Oil Pressure At Idle

**RAMAIR47** · 06-16-2006, 09:32 AM

1996 WS-6, 105,000 miles. Oil pressure starts out at 60psi, but after 20 -30 minutes drops at idle to between 10-0 psi. (check gages light comes on) While driving pressure is at 30-40psi ,only at idle is the problem.Engine sounds fine, no smoke or leak. Shop says oil pump replacement, roughly $450.
Does this sound right to you guys?

**twozs** · 06-16-2006, 02:31 PM

bad bearing clearences (rod and crank) will give low oil pressure at idle also does it knock when the pressure is low? we switched an oil pump on a blazer w/4.3 with low oil pressure at idle (pretty big job and very expencive) and it still had low oil pressure when we were done. boy was that guy pissed but it wasnt my diagnosis so it didnt fall on me

**RAMAIR47** · 06-20-2006, 05:48 AM

Dont here any knock at idle. If I keep idle at 1200-1500 she seems fine, about 30 psi. Is there a way to check bearings before going the oil pump route?

**Roastem** · 06-20-2006, 06:18 AM

What weight oil are you using?

**RAMAIR47** · 06-20-2006, 06:20 AM

10-40,10-50

**Quicksilver Vert** · 06-20-2006, 07:11 AM

Check your oil pressure with a mechanical pressure gauge before you tear into the engine.It might be only a bad oil pressure sensor causing the problem.