Getting ready to do a new oil sensor because mine keeps reading 0 randomly. I know some engines have the screen underneath but some (even DOD 5.3s don't). Should I put one back in? I hope to limp this engine along a little longer before I can fix the DOD stuff properly.
To screen or not to screen (oil sensor)
- Thread starter Noggles
- Start date
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I would go ahead and replace it as long as you still have the AFM components installed.... And pay attention if there's any debris or sludge in the screen. If the screen is full of crap, you may want to change your oil more often, and verify your PCV system is functioning properly and not partially plugged. Frequent short trips not allowing the oil to get up to temperature, for example if you commute only one or two miles to work.... Will contribute to more sludge in the oil as well as condensation in the bottom of the pan.
If this turns into a recurring problem until you get the AFM deleted, look online for one of the oil pressure sending unit relocation kits .... Which moves your oil pressure sending unit out to the end of a 10 or 12 in steel braided line that you can zip tie up by the firewall, and clean or change the sending unit in 5 minutes.
If this turns into a recurring problem until you get the AFM deleted, look online for one of the oil pressure sending unit relocation kits .... Which moves your oil pressure sending unit out to the end of a 10 or 12 in steel braided line that you can zip tie up by the firewall, and clean or change the sending unit in 5 minutes.
Are there any brands of screen to avoid? I looked around trying to find the OEM part but everywhere just had cheap Chinese made copies. I think pulling it for inspection is a good idea, just didn’t want to put back in some cheap screen that could come apart.
I will definitely look into the relocation kit. My parents each have a gen 4 truck now so that might be useful for theirs as well.
I will definitely look into the relocation kit. My parents each have a gen 4 truck now so that might be useful for theirs as well.
Charlie207
Full Access Member
My 5.3 DoD engine had a screen, but since I had the AFM/DoD system turned off, I just left it removed when I replaced a faulty oil pressure sender.
Stick with either genuine GM or AC Delco for the oil pressure sending unit and sceeen. There's been too many problems with the aftermarket ones. AC Delco has a presence on Amazon, and RockAuto is also a good source.
You mentioned it randomly goes to zero. First thing I would do is pull your oil plug and see if you have a buildup of condensation in the bottom. Water sinks to the bottom of the oil pan. If it gets deep enough, around quarter of an inch, the pickup tube will start sucking it up and your oil pressure will drop. That comes from either short trips or plugged up PCV system..... And very easy to check compared to pulling your intake and getting that sending unit out
You mentioned it randomly goes to zero. First thing I would do is pull your oil plug and see if you have a buildup of condensation in the bottom. Water sinks to the bottom of the oil pan. If it gets deep enough, around quarter of an inch, the pickup tube will start sucking it up and your oil pressure will drop. That comes from either short trips or plugged up PCV system..... And very easy to check compared to pulling your intake and getting that sending unit out
And of course check your oil pressure with a mechanical gauge, just temporarily replace your electronic sending unit with it. The relocation get is very easy to adapt a second port with a plug that you can remove and test the mechanical gauge at your whim
swathdiver
Full Access Member
The screen is there to protect the VLOM from contaminants. It is SOP to replace the VLOM anytime an AFM repair is performed.
Less aggravating to delete AFM and the engine will become much more reliable.
Yeah I got a new AC Delco sensor to go in it. I have read for years about off brand sensor reliability so I wanted to give it the best shot of working properly. I haven't been able to find a part number for an OEM screen tho? Also, I am pretty sure it is a sensor issue because the first time it happened I wasn't able to immediately pull over and check it and never heard any noises related to lack of oil pressure. I verified oil level and chalked it up to a failing sensor. A short drive later it came back and worked like normal for several days. Second time it happened I shut the truck off and immediately restarted and it had normal pressure again. If, however its not the sensor and some damage was done, then it is what it is but this is the quietest 5.3 I have ever heard so I think internally its fine.
Also, forgot to mention that out of habit I check the coolant quite often. My previous truck was an 05 Tahoe that had the porous 706 head issue and would need antifreeze added constantly. This truck is rock solid on coolant level though. I also try to always make it a habit to get the engine to full temp and don't do any super short drives if I can avoid it. I am doing an oil change this weekend anyway so I will see what the used oil looks like coming out.
I do have an aluminum 6.0 out of a hybrid that I am just about done collecting DOD delete parts and a BTR cam kit for so if something catastrophic happens it will just speed up the swap plans lol.
