5.3 Tick/Knock?

[ScottyBoy]

That port right behind the power steering pump is where l hooked into to test mine. If i remember correctly, I'm thinking it's a 8mm hex/allen bit. Whatever it is, I do remember its Metric, NOT Fractional sized bits.
And I have the Harbor Freight oil pressure gauge testing kit. It does NOT come with an adapter to fit LS engines. But heres what I did: First, I replaced my oil pressure switch, hoping that was the problem. When the low pressure persisted, I bought that HF pressure testing kit to check it manually. I realized that the correct adapter was not included, and after much searching online I realized that Ineeded to order the proper adapter. Seems this is a pretty common issue, as MOST pressure guage kits do not include this particular adapter. Nobody locally had this adapter either. But instead of waiting a week for said adapter to arrive, l simply MADE an adapter. Like I mentioned above, I had just replaced the oil pressure switch and i still had the old one. So I used the old switch to make an adapter. I drilled it out and tapped it for 1/8" npt thread, as there was an 1/8" adapter in the Harbor Freight kit, plus l already had a 1/8" thread cutting die. You will need this adapter to screw into the location of the stock oil pressure switch, OR the test plug behind the power steering pump. They both have the same metric threads.

 

[JPVortex]

That port right behind the power steering pump is where l hooked into to test mine. If i remember correctly, I'm thinking it's a 8mm hex/allen bit. Whatever it is, I do remember its Metric, NOT Fractional sized bits.
And I have the Harbor Freight oil pressure gauge testing kit. It does NOT come with an adapter to fit LS engines. But heres what I did: First, I replaced my oil pressure switch, hoping that was the problem. When the low pressure persisted, I bought that HF pressure testing kit to check it manually. I realized that the correct adapter was not included, and after much searching online I realized that Ineeded to order the proper adapter. Seems this is a pretty common issue, as MOST pressure guage kits do not include this particular adapter. Nobody locally had this adapter either. But instead of waiting a week for said adapter to arrive, l simply MADE an adapter. Like I mentioned above, I had just replaced the oil pressure switch and i still had the old one. So I used the old switch to make an adapter. I drilled it out and tapped it for 1/8" npt thread, as there was an 1/8" adapter in the Harbor Freight kit, plus l already had a 1/8" thread cutting die. You will need this adapter to screw into the location of the stock oil pressure switch, OR the test plug behind the power steering pump. They both have the same metric threads.

Thank you! Definitely testing behind the power steering pump where that Allen plug is.

Thankfully I won’t have to make an adapter out of my old switch, the kit I have coming from Amazon on Sunday includes the necessary M16 x 1.50 adapter!

 

[JPVortex]

That port right behind the power steering pump is where l hooked into to test mine. If i remember correctly, I'm thinking it's a 8mm hex/allen bit. Whatever it is, I do remember its Metric, NOT Fractional sized bits.
And I have the Harbor Freight oil pressure gauge testing kit. It does NOT come with an adapter to fit LS engines. But heres what I did: First, I replaced my oil pressure switch, hoping that was the problem. When the low pressure persisted, I bought that HF pressure testing kit to check it manually. I realized that the correct adapter was not included, and after much searching online I realized that Ineeded to order the proper adapter. Seems this is a pretty common issue, as MOST pressure guage kits do not include this particular adapter. Nobody locally had this adapter either. But instead of waiting a week for said adapter to arrive, l simply MADE an adapter. Like I mentioned above, I had just replaced the oil pressure switch and i still had the old one. So I used the old switch to make an adapter. I drilled it out and tapped it for 1/8" npt thread, as there was an 1/8" adapter in the Harbor Freight kit, plus l already had a 1/8" thread cutting die. You will need this adapter to screw into the location of the stock oil pressure switch, OR the test plug behind the power steering pump. They both have the same metric threads.

How did you get that stupid plug out? I cannot get a ratchet on the plug, it just hits the power steering pump. I even tried cutting my allen socket down to be short and still not enough room at all.

 

[JPVortex]

My gosh, I managed to get it out. I had the 8mm allen, into a universal joint, into an extension going straight down to my ratchet. I couldnt get like much of any torque into the plug but did manage to break it free.

Then I had to use channel locks on the socket to twist it out. WHAT A PAIN

To reinstall, Im thinking of getting a new plug that I can use a normal wrench on instead. would make it a BREEZE.

You guys think something like this oil drain plug would hold a seal correctly? It is the right thread size and similar length.

 

[ScottyBoy]

How did you get that stupid plug out? I cannot get a ratchet on the plug, it just hits the power steering pump. I even tried cutting my allen socket down to be short and still not enough room at all.

I dont remember for sure, as it' been 2 or 3 years since I did it. But I dont really remember it giving me much trouble. I think I might have had to use a flex head ratchet, but not a universal joint or anything. I'm thinking the handle was hitting something, that why I needed the flex head, so I could fold the handle down a bit.

 

[JPVortex]

I dont remember for sure, as it' been 2 or 3 years since I did it. But I dont really remember it giving me much trouble. I think I might have had to use a flex head ratchet, but not a universal joint or anything. I'm thinking the handle was hitting something, that why I needed the flex head, so I could fold the handle down a bit.

Gotcha thank you! Im not sure in my case if even a flex head would work. Part of the problem, is there's a sensor right on the bottom of the PS pump. Maybe an EVO system?

Not sure, but do you think that that plug I sent that I can fit a box wrench on would work and seal?

 

[viven44]

Not sure, but do you think that that plug I sent that I can fit a box wrench on would work and seal?

If the original plug is in good shape and you can get it back in with the seal intact, I'd just do that... no point replacing a plug that won't ever hopefully come out.

 

[JPVortex]

If the original plug is in good shape and you can get it back in with the seal intact, I'd just do that... no point replacing a plug that won't ever hopefully come out.

I dont even see a seal on it to be honest, and i dont think ill be able to get it tight at all.

 

[viven44]

I dont even see a seal on it to be honest, and i dont think ill be able to get it tight at all.

Surprised there is no seal. Does that mean it is a tapered thread ?
Sorry I'm weak on metric stuff.
If it is tapered thread, you don't need much torque, you just need it tight.

It should be easy enough to install the old one back on when you are ready, check for leaks.. then decide corrective action as necessary.

 

[JPVortex]

Not sure to be honest, I'll try getting the old one on.

But the one that I can put an open end wrench on is only $5. Just worried if it'd seal or not, but with a gasket Id guess it would?