1989 Chevy Camaro Low oil pressure

Tiny
ICESTORM
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 CHEVROLET CAMARO
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 77,000 MILES
I just purchased an 89 IROC with the 350 TPI. Vehicle is all stock with 77K. Previous owner was using Valvoline conventional 10W30. Vehicle had great oil pressure (30-60). I took it in for a full tune up an flushed out all oils replacing with synthetics. I used Royal Purple 5W30 with a NAPA Gold (Wix) oil filter. I took the car out for a cruise yesterday and the oil pressure kept dropping till it was finally at 12 to 14 pounds @ 2000RPM and ZERO at idle. I turned it off and let it sit for an hour. When I started back up, it was a little under 30 but kept dropping till it was again at zero when idling. Oil level was perfect on the dipstick. I'm not experiencing any pings, knocking or any other abnormal noises and the car runs extremely smooth and strong.

What seems to be the issue? Oil weight? Sending unit? Pump? Will Seafoam help? Any ideas?

I used the same oil and filter in my 87 Vette with the similar L98 and 80K on the odo with no problems. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Sunday, June 7th, 2009 AT 2:46 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
TO me it sounds like a bad oil sending unit. If you hear no engine noises, then most likely you have good oil pressure. I would try that and see it if takes care of the problem.

Let me know if it helps.

Joe
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Friday, July 3rd, 2009 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
JHUERTA22
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  • 15 POSTS
I had the same problem with my engine oil. I switched to 5w30 and I had the exact same problem. I switched to 10w30 and it took care of the problem. I took it in for a diagnostic and the mechanic told me it was in fact a bad sending unit and my oil pressure was fine, running about 15-20 psi with 5w30. Just use a synthetic 10w30 instead.
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Monday, September 7th, 2009 AT 10:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
If it is low, you gan get a manual gauge and check it with that. It will screw into the same place as the sending unit. Many parts stores will lend or rent the gauge to you.
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Monday, September 7th, 2009 AT 10:14 PM

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