2CarPros - Car Questions & Answers

1990 GMC C1500 Repair Question


Topics covered: Engine, Oil pressure, Crankshaft.
Mileage: 300,000 miles.

Asked on July 16, 2012

Oil pressure

I had low oil pressure and changed my oil pump. Now my oil gauge reads max. Is this normal and what is normal operating range for the oil?
Avatar Asked by nick2586

Answer

Replied on July 16, 2012

Normal is around 40 - 50 psi. Expect less with 300,000 miles. Worn crankshaft and connecting rod bearings are much more common causes of low oil pressure than pumps, but you may get lucky.

As for the gauge, unplug the sending unit, then check the gauge. If it still reads max., a wire is grounded; possibly pinched between something you reassembled. We all do that sooner or later. If the gauge goes to 0, try a new sending unit. Remove the old one first, then crank the engine about two seconds without starting the engine. That will wash out any debris that might be lodged in the passage, but it will make a small mess on the floor too.

Tiny Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,277 answers provided
Replied on July 16, 2012

Thanks

Tiny Response from nick2586
5 questions asked