Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing

^ 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.
^ If the engine oil pressure is below specifications, inspect the engine for one or more of the following:
- Oil pump worn or dirty
^ Oil pump-to-engine block bolts loose
^ 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
^ Cracked, porous or restricted oil galleries
^ Oil gallery plugs missing or incorrectly installed
^ Broken valve lifters