2001 Chevy Silverado Oil Pressure

Tiny
AWOODSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
It was about 13 ° this morning at my house, approximately 0 ° with the windchill. I preheated my truck as I do in the winter. After I got in 10 minutes later it was barely starting to get warm which didn't suprise me since it was so cold. I did notice however that my oil pressure which typically runs at about 60 lbs. Was at 50 and didn't get up to 60 consistently until my truck was completely warmed up. Until it was completely warm it would stay at about 50-55 and raise to 60 when I was accelerating, likewise when I was sitting idling it would drop back to 50. Could this just be caused by the cold or should I be concerned about it; also if it something I should be concerned about what could the problem be? (The change oil light did come on the other day but the oil is still completely yellow and clear so I haven't gotten around to changing it. Wasn't sure if this could have anything to do with it or not but I figured I'd mention it.)
Monday, December 22nd, 2008 AT 6:12 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be just the cold it thickens up during the nite and oil pump having a hard time pushing it till it gets up to temperature. Other causes oil pump pressure relief valve sticking or the oil pressure switch acting up
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Monday, December 22nd, 2008 AT 6:24 AM
Tiny
AWOODSON
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Are either of those something I should be concerned about? Is there anyway to verify whether it is something wrong or if it was just cold?
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Monday, December 22nd, 2008 AT 12:51 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge if its normal replace the oil pressure sending unit-abnormal could mean the oil pump/engine bearings etc-

Do an oil change/engine flush
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Monday, December 22nd, 2008 AT 12:55 PM
Tiny
AWOODSON
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  • 19 POSTS
Without sounding stupid where is the oil pressure sending unit located (5.3 L engine)? Wouldn't ask but I don't know my way around engines newer than 1970 real well.
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Monday, December 22nd, 2008 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Its on the top rear of engine-sorry no pic available
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Monday, December 22nd, 2008 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
AWOODSON
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  • 19 POSTS
I noticed on the way home last night that even though it was about 30 ° the oil pressure still wasn't reading at 60 like it normally does. Also I forgot to mention that 3 days ago the change oil light came on in the dash; could this have anything to do with the problem (which two days before I noticed the oil pressure was low) and should I still check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge?
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Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 AT 6:22 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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If it was me I'll replace the oil pressure sending unit and go from there
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Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 AT 2:45 PM

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