1998 Chevy S-10 Oil Pressure

TBURK

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET S-10
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
14,700 MILES

My son just bought an older/high mileage S-10 pickup, he called me concerned about oil pressure, at first he though the pressure guage was an indicator of how much oil was in the vehicle. We checked the oil earlier in the week so I dont think it's that, and it doesnt appear to be leaking oil or burning oil when it runs, but I think he told me his pressure was showing down in the 20 range. Where should it be on this type of vehicle.

Friday, June 19th, 2009 AT 8:21 AM

1 Reply

SWILLIAMS

MECHANIC
597 POSTS

Is that the initial start up pressure or the hot idle pressure?
Either way I would put a mechanical gauge on it and see if the electronic gauge is correct first. If it is then I would drop out the oil in it and put in fresh 10W30 and see what you have on initial start-up. If you see 40-60 on initial start and 20 at hot idle BUT it pick up to 40 or so at 2K RPM then I wouldn't worry much.
If however you see 20 PSI at initial start and it doesn't come up much when you rev the engine I would say starts looking for a replacement engine. The mains and rods are worn pretty well.

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Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 3:17 PM