Engine Lubrication: Testing and Inspection

- With the vehicle on a level surface, allow adequate drain down time (2-3 minutes) and measure for a low oil level.
Add the recommended grade engine oil and fill the crankcase until the oil level measures full on the oil level indicator.
- Run the engine and verify low or no oil pressure on the vehicle gauge or light.
Listen for a noisy valve train or a knocking noise.

- Inspect for the following:
- Oil diluted by moisture or unburned fuel mixtures
- Improper oil viscosity for the expected temperature
- Incorrect or malfunctioning oil pressure sender
- Incorrect or malfunctioning oil pressure gauge
- Plugged oil filter
- Malfunctioning oil bypass valve

- Remove the oil pressure sender or another engine block oil gallery plug.
- Install a oil pressure gauge and measure the engine oil pressure.
- Compare the readings to specifications.
Oil Pressure:
At 900 rpm 69 kPa (10 psi)
At 3000 rpm 207 kPa (30 psi)
If below specifications, inspect the engine for one or more of the following:
- Oil pump worn or dirty.
Refer to Oil Pump Clean And Inspect in Unit Repair.
- Oil pump-to-engine block bolts loose.
Refer to Oil Pump Installation.
- Oil pump screen loose, plugged, or damaged
- Oil pump screen O-ring seal missing or damaged
- Malfunctioning oil pump pressure regulator valve
- Excessive bearing clearance.
Refer to Crankshaft and Bearings Clean and Inspect in Unit Repair.
- Cracked, porous or restricted oil galleries
- Oil gallery plugs missing or incorrectly installed.
Refer to Cylinder Block Plug Installation.
- Broken valve lifters