Engine Oil Pressure: Testing and Inspection

Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing (LS3 with Z52 Option, LS7)

Special Tools

* EN-21867 - Pressure Gauge

* EN-21867-16 - Oil Pressure Adapter

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Special Tools.

1. With the vehicle on a level surface, run the vehicle for a few minutes. Allow adequate drain down time, 2-3 minutes, and measure the oil level.

2. If required, add the recommended grade engine oil and fill the oil tank until the oil level measures full on the oil level indicator.

3. Run the engine briefly, 10-15 seconds, and verify low or no oil pressure on the vehicle gauge or lamp.

4. Listen for a noisy valve train or a knocking noise.

5. Inspect for the following conditions:

* Oil diluted by water or glycol antifreeze

* Foamy oil




6. Remove the oil pressure sensor (1).




7. Install the EN-21867-16 - adapter (2) and EN-21867 - pressure gauge (1), or equivalent.

8. Run the engine and measure the engine oil pressure.

9. Compare the readings to Engine Mechanical Specifications (7.0L) Service Limits & General SpecificationsEngine Mechanical Specifications (6.2L LS9) Service Limits & General SpecificationsEngine Mechanical Specifications (6.2L LS3) Service Limits & General Specifications.

10. If the engine oil pressure is below specifications, inspect the engine for 1 or more of the following conditions:

* Restricted engine oil tank screen

* Collapsed or restricted oil hoses

* Loose oil hose connections at the oil tank or oil pan

* Damaged oil tank-to-hose or oil pan-to-hose O-ring seals

* Oil pump worn or dirty. Refer to Oil Pump Cleaning and Inspection (6.2L LS3) Oil Pump Cleaning and Inspection (6.2L LS9) Oil Pump Cleaning and Inspection (LS3 with Z52 Option, LS7) Oil Pump Cleaning and Inspection (LS3 with Z52 Option, LS7).

* Oil pump-to-engine block bolts loose or oil pump mis-aligned to the oil pan rail. Refer to Oil Pump and Crankshaft Oil Deflector Installation (LS3 with Z52 Option, LS7, LS9) Oil Pump and Crankshaft Oil Deflector Installation (LS3 with Z52 Option, LS7, LS9).

* Excessive debris in the oil pan and/or oil filter (possibly indicating internal engine damage).

* Damaged oil pan gasket at oil pump sealing surface damaged

* Malfunctioning oil pump pressure relief valve

* Excessive bearing clearance and/or bearing damage. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection and Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection.

* Cracked, porous, or restricted oil galleries

* Oil gallery plugs missing or incorrectly installed. Refer to Engine Block Plug Installation Engine Block Plug Installation.

* Broken valve lifters. Repair, as necessary.

11. If the oil pressure reading on the EN-21867 - pressure gauge, or equivalent, is within specifications, inspect for the following conditions:

* Plugged or incorrect oil filter

* Malfunctioning vehicle oil pressure gauge or engine oil pressure sensor
Repair, as necessary.