Symptoms of Failing Oil Pump?

[Plimbob]

Yesterday on my 07 (299k on it) while driving my oil pressure started dropping to the point it was almost at 10. Never happened before, I always run at min 35 psi. Stopped and shut down. Let it sit for a few minutes, checked the oil it was full. Started it back up gauge reflect 30-40 psi. Limped home and it dropped again to 10 again after about 2 miles.

Is this a symptom of a failing oil pump or pick-up seal?

Thanks for any feed back.

Tim

 

[OR VietVet]

I am betting it is the pickup seal but at that mileage, if you want to keep the rig, I would do the whole shootin' match. The least expense would be the pickup o-ring seal though and is likely the cause.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I am betting it is the pickup seal but at that mileage, if you want to keep the rig, I would do the whole shootin' match. The least expense would be the pickup o-ring seal though and is likely the cause.

Think it might be an oil sensor going bad or a clogged oil sensor screen?

 

[OR VietVet]

Think it might be an oil sensor going bad or a clogged oil sensor screen?

Hell, I guess anything is possible but the o-ring seal has such a high failure rate. Once the screen gets clogged, can it show intermittent high/normal oil pressure, like he said? If I went as far as the o-ring, oil pump work, I would do the screen and the sender too. Git-Er-Done!

 

[Plimbob]

Thanks Guys,

I forgot to add the engine temp did change at all. However, it was friggin cold that day here the high was -9.

I replaced the sending unit and screen about 60k ago and I replaced the sensor about 15k ago. I don't think it's the sensor because when it failed the oil pressure was actually normal but was getting low oil pressure signal. I'll check the actual pressure and see if it's the sending unit.

Sounds like I have some work ahead of me.

 

[iamdub]

Thanks Guys,

I forgot to add the engine temp did change at all. However, it was friggin cold that day here the high was -9.

I replaced the sending unit and screen about 60k ago and I replaced the sensor about 15k ago. I don't think it's the sensor because when it failed the oil pressure was actually normal but was getting low oil pressure signal. I'll check the actual pressure and see if it's the sending unit.

Sounds like I have some work ahead of me.

Checking the O-ring is easy. With the oil level starting at the full mark, add two additional quarts and put the front end in a nosedive, like a steep driveway, backing up on a curb, easing the nose into a ditch, etc. If the pressure suddenly returns to normal, your O-ring is bad. Drain the two extra quarts and start planning.

 

[Plimbob]

Thanks Chris, I haven't messed with it yet, too cold even in the garage. I will definitely try that and see what happens.

 

[ls1frc]

When this happened on my GTO, it was the relief spring in the pump getting stuck.

 

[Plimbob]

Update -

It warmed up with this weekend so I started it, oil pressure was at 32-35 or so and held while idling which is about normal for it.

My drive has a slight incline so backed it in so the nose was downward (I did not added additional oil) , oil pressure didn't change, was still at 32-35.

Because it was holding up I went ahead and drove it a bit. The pressure was lower than normal but it didn't drop below 35, however, I only drove it 5-6 miles but it did warm up to operating temp.

I am wondering if a clogged screen and or sending unit?

 

[iamdub]

Update -

It warmed up with this weekend so I started it, oil pressure was at 32-35 or so and held while idling which is about normal for it.

My drive has a slight incline so backed it in so the nose was downward (I did not added additional oil) , oil pressure didn't change, was still at 32-35.

Because it was holding up I went ahead and drove it a bit. The pressure was lower than normal but it didn't drop below 35, however, I only drove it 5-6 miles but it did warm up to operating temp.

I am wondering if a clogged screen and or sending unit?

A slight incline isn't enough to test the O-ring with no additional oil. But, the low pressure (as indicated by the gauge) could just be a failed sensor and you r actual pressure is fine. You said you changed it:

I replaced the sending unit and screen about 60k ago and I replaced the sensor about 15k ago.

...But, I'm confused about what you mean here. What are you referring to as the "sending unit"? When you replaced the sensor 15K ago, what brand did you get?