1997 Cadillac Catera Oil Pressure Sender

Tiny
MEOW29627
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CADILLAC CATERA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 121,282 MILES
282 miles ago and 30 hours of labor, my car had a big over haul performed by an ASE certified mechanic whom I personally know. Motor torn down and heads send out to be whatever it is that gets done to them, head gasket, manifold gasket, heater bypass valve, timing belt and some bearings all replaced as well as something else I can't recall at the moment. When all was back together, the oil pressure goes very low while at idle. So low that the light comes on. Would this problem be that the car also needs a new pressure sender and if so, where is that located so that maybe my husband can replace it vs. Taking it back to the mechanic. There is no GM repair manual by either Chilton or Haynes for this model! The car is a one owner vehicle and it's in fabulous overall condition inside and out; the only reason I spent the money to have this major repair done to start with and the fact the car is paid for. I'd like to get 4 more years out of it because the mileage I consider relatively low for the year; however, I realize that this model is German made based on an Opel design and it's known to have mechanical problems. What do you think? The oil pressure sender is a $31 part! Thanks so much.
Thursday, August 28th, 2008 AT 5:17 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
What needs to be done is an actual oil pressure check to determine if its internal problem or just the idiot pressure switch that could be out of calibration.

Below are probable causes:

Excessive main and rod bearing clearances (someone may have installed the wrong-sized bearings or standard-sized bearings on a reground crankshaft). Only 0.001-inch of extra clearance in the main bearings can reduce oil pressure up to 20 percent!

Excessive camshaft bearing clearances (a bearing may have slipped out of place when the cam was installed).

Excessive clearances inside the oil pump.

Leaks between the oil pump and engine.

Oil pump relief valve stuck open or installed backward.

A loose or mispositioned oil pickup tube (too high in oil pan).

A defective oil pressure sending unit or oil pressure gauge.

Low oil level in the oil pan.

Cracks or leaks in the oil galleries or gallery plugs.

Cracked oil pump housing (improper installation).

Oil viscosity too thin for hot weather.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008 AT 5:26 PM

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