Low Oil Pressure AND smoking dipstick (Related?)

2011 6.2L Denali
Took a five-hour road trip. Noticed oil pressure was ~20 psi (normally runs at ~40). When I stopped for gas, checked the oil level and it was normal level. However, white smoke came pouring out of dipstick tube...enough to be concerning. Did not notice any issues or noticeable performance issues.
I've had problems with the oil pressure sensor/screen twice before, but that is always 0 oil pressure on the gauge.
I read through other oil pressure threads, but didn't see anything talking about smoke, as it relates to this.
Are these related? Things to check? Will be doing an oil change Monday.

The oil dipstick tube or the fill cap on the valve cover? I've never had or see anything like that. How much smoke? When was the last time oil was changed? Can you make a video and upload to YT, then post the link here?

The only time I had smoke on the dipstick was when I swapped a transmission and I was filling ATF. I shifted through the gears and didn't realize I had add more fluid. When I pulled the dipstick I could see a bit of smoke coming out...added more fluid and all was well.

I've seen it on engines that are running hard, shut down and pull the dip stick in a few minutes. they just kinda look like steem for a bit.

I don't check my own oil when it's hot, so never paid attention. Just industrial stuff at work. I honestly think your fine smoke wise and the oil pressure loss is just the normal issues these trucks have.

strutaeng said:

The oil dipstick tube or the fill cap on the valve cover? I've never had or see anything like that. How much smoke? When was the last time oil was changed? Can you make a video and upload to YT, then post the link here?

The only time I had smoke on the dipstick was when I swapped a transmission and I was filling ATF. I shifted through the gears and didn't realize I had add more fluid. When I pulled the dipstick I could see a bit of smoke coming out...added more fluid and all was well.

Click to expand...

It was coming from the dipstick tube, and the actual dipstick was smoking. It continued while checking and rechecking oil level, so it wasn't just some residual smoke...it was definitely smoking.
It was about 3 hrs into the trip, driving 65-70 through the Springfield/Branson hills. Outside temp was low 90's. The engine temp was 210 as usual.
Definitely time for an oil change. I'll probably do that tomorrow and take it for a drive. I'll film it if it happens again. Thanks

Interesting. Google says the "smoke point" of motor oil is 420F-ish. It doesn't sound like your engine is running that hot and running within operating temperature.

The only way I see some internal engine components getting over that smoke point is if somehow you got loss of lubrication and you have subsequent metal-to-metal contact. Like stuff getting blue from the heat. Then oil splashing inside the crankcase will start smoking when it touches that part. Say a connecting rod with a spun bearing. Essentially, the engine is destroying itself.

As a precaution, take a good look at your oil when you change it. Maybe also keep your oil filter to open up and inspect. IDK.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

When you change the oil pull a sample and have Blackstone or another reputable company analyze it.

210 is slightly warm in my book, I drive mine pretty hard and the temp normally stays right around 194
I can make it hit 210 if pushing it really hard up a big hill or something if it is really warm outside and if a very long upgrade.
but anyway lower 20 psi oil pressure is normal for these trucks if it is hot, I have had my stick smoke a little tiny bit when checking it and I replaced the dipstick and tube once because the stick was pretty toasted right where it passes close to the head, so it could be the tube & stick is hot in that spot, especially if it is bent inward at all.
you might also check the grommet/seal where the stick enters the block. If it is leaking at all you might see smoke when you are wiggling things around
when I replaced my tube and stick I put some heat wrap on the tube, doesn'y help a lot but better than nothing.

The 210* on the gauge is vague at best...
I'd be more worried about a head gasket or low coolant if the oil level
is ok.
Did your trans temp guage on the DIC show being hot?? (it's actually correct)

I've seen the smoking dipstick before on hot natural gas generators after a shutdown. Based on what you said were the conditions, you probably saw oil film getting roasted by the hot exhaust manifold as the truck baked after running hard in warm temps.

I've seen the 20 psi oil pressure as well with age. But, I can say that replacing the leaky VLOM (or block off plate non AFM) does increase the oil pressure across all temp ranges. Also, a seaping RMS cover can cause an oil pressure loss as well. I've had great luck with replacing these components and better oil pressure over the years.

If you're close to due for an oil change, I'd just replace it, look for leaks, etc. I think you'll be ok