Oil pressure drops at Idle also sputter/knocking when accelerating

Tiny
LUCAS WILLIAMSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET 3500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50,000 MILES
First the Express has been sitting for 2 years prior to me buying it a month ago.

It was driven less that 2,500 miles a year.

I have put about 1,300 miles on it since buying it.

Since buying the van I have
- replaced transmission cooler - upgraded - the cooler and lines were leaking
- replaced oil pressure sensor
- Had a new oil pump put in
- new oil change (went full syn) and filter
- just today, installed new spark plugs, cables, and ignition coil module

So first we have the issue with the oil pressure - when the van warms up the pressure drops low (5-15 psi) when at idle or low cruising speeds sub 30 - check gauge lights comes on and off based on speed. At a stopped idle it goes to 0-5 psi.

The oil pump and oil pressure sensor have been replaced and it's still happening. Should I be concerned of oil starvation still or that the gauge is bad? I had been driving it all around town for a few weeks with no problems ran solid.

Last Friday I had the oil pump replaced after driving 6 hours from Ohio to North Carolina. - And about 2-3 of those hours the Service engine soon light was blinking on and off for pretty much the entire period at the end.

In addition, towards the end of the trip, I started feeling the sputtering sounds when accelerating - a significant loss of power and acceleration.

I'm concerned the gauge was showing bad pressure and I was driving the vehicle with oil starvation and caused damage internally to the engine?

Today I replaced the spark plugs, cables and ignition coil module. The Service engine light wasn't blinking but I also didn't drive it that much because I am still getting the sound and feeling when accelerating.

I have to travel north to WV then back to Ohio.

Should I continue to drive the vehicle? What else could it be?
Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 3:32 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

The noise and low oil pressure concern me.

It sounds like you have bad bearing on the crankshaft.

As far as driving it? I do not know how long it will last like this but I doubt it will be long before it just fails completely.

Your call but I err on the side of safety and no, do not drive it.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 4:10 PM
Tiny
LUCAS WILLIAMSON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for the swift reply. What would I be looking at for a cost to replace the camshaft bearing?

Can I do other damage to the engine if I keep driving it?
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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I would consider replacing the engine. It would be cheaper doing that than doing a rebuild since you do not know what you will find once it is torn down.

I would estimate it at about $3,000.00.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 4:42 PM
Tiny
LUCAS WILLIAMSON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The engine only has 50,000 miles on it?
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Got that but it sat for a very long time. The oil could have separated and caused the bearing damage.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
LUCAS WILLIAMSON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Why would I still be having low oil pressure issue at idling when I have replaced the oil pump and sensor?

Thanks!
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Because of excessive bearing clearance. That is also the noise. It is knocking from worn bearings and not enough pressure. You are losing the pressure through the worn bearings.

Roy
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 AT 5:52 PM

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