Notices
General Tech Good at troubleshooting? Have a non-specific issue? Discuss general tech topics here. IF YOUR QUESTION IS SPECIFIC TO A CERTAIN MODEL, IT DOES NOT GO IN THIS SECTION.

no oil pressure in my 4.3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old March 31st, 2010, 11:23 AM
  #1  
CF Beginner
Thread Starter
 
moth423's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default no oil pressure in my 4.3

i have a 95 chevy 4.3L vortech engine with 174,000 miles. i replaced the oil sending unit because i was getting a lowe reading on my oil pressure gauge. 0psi at idle and 25psi at anything above 1,000 RPM when the truck is warmed up. i am ordering main bearings and rod bearings and an oil pump. i am hoping this is the issue. i have decided to put 150 bucks into the bottom end rather than replace the whole engine. is this a good idea and does anyone know of any oil pressure issues that are known to happen to the 4.3? my engine is bone stock if that helps.
thanks,
Tom
Old March 31st, 2010, 2:29 PM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
nauticstar87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Danbury Texas
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Never had an issue with my stepdads '95 V6. He sold it with 225,000 miles. ANd it had a lot to go. I wouldn't be against droppign 150 into the bottom end. But on the other hand, in about 100-125,000 miles you'll prolly need a rebuild.
Old March 31st, 2010, 9:02 PM
  #3  
Super Moderator
Professional Mechanic
 
MDTAHOE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bowie, MD
Posts: 2,950
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Was the engine knocking at all? If so it probably will not last long at all. Once they are knocking the rods become egg shaped. If it was not you should get some plastic gauge and check the bearing clearances you may need to use a over sized bearings.
Old April 1st, 2010, 11:39 AM
  #4  
CF Beginner
Thread Starter
 
moth423's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Smile

it wasnt knocking like that, just lifter noise. thanks tho!
Old April 1st, 2010, 5:01 PM
  #5  
CF Monarch
 
EvansBlue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Princeton, NC, USA
Posts: 5,906
Likes: 0
Received 26 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

There are issues with the stepper motors in the dash oil pressure gauges. I'd check the pressure manually with a good old tube gauge.

On the 95-98 model S-series, the noise can be mistaken for lifters when it is actually is a throttle cable vibration.
If you have lifter noise on cold start, its not all too unusual on vortec engines, but it will go away after a mile or so of driving.
Old April 4th, 2010, 7:46 PM
  #6  
CF Beginner
Thread Starter
 
moth423's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

well, i didnt wanna leave you fellas hangin without an outcome of my problem. i pulled the oil pan off and replaced the bearings. they were all scored. the crankshaft too. i replaced the oil pump and i get exactly what i had before. also part of the noise is a loos timing chain. for now i will run it through the summer, and in the meantime get my 85 k20 rolling so i can put my 1500 on hold and rebuild the motor. thanks again guys! i frickin love this site.
Old April 4th, 2010, 8:22 PM
  #7  
CF Junior Member
 
ridindirtyv6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Hampstead, Maryland
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

sounds like the cam bearings r prolly messed up too...
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Steelman512
Tahoe & Suburban
4
June 8th, 2023 2:51 PM
Eric Sherden
Caprice
2
September 24th, 2013 1:21 PM
not_a_car_dude
Tahoe & Suburban
4
September 15th, 2013 7:41 PM
Dallas4
Silverado & Fullsize Pick-ups
4
October 23rd, 2012 1:45 PM
trolea1234
General Tech
3
March 3rd, 2009 10:58 AM



Quick Reply: no oil pressure in my 4.3



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 6:42 AM.