Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing

The following can cause low or no oil pressure:

^ Low oil level-fill to the full mark on the oil level indicator.
^ Slow idle speed.
^ Incorrect or malfunctioning oil pressure switch-replace the oil pressure switch.
^ Incorrect or malfunctioning oil pressure gauge-replace the oil pressure gauge.
^ Improper oil viscosity or diluted oil.
- Install oil of proper viscosity for expected temperature.
- Install new oil if it is diluted.
^ The oil pump is worn or dirty-clean or replace the oil pump.
^ The oil filter is plugged-replace the oil filter.
^ The oil pickup screen is loose or plugged-replace the oil pickup screen.
^ A hole in the oil pickup tube-replace the oil pickup tube.
^ Excessive bearing clearance-replace the bearings.
^ Cracked, porous, or plugged oil galleries-repair or replace the engine block.
^ The gallery plugs are missing or improperly installed-install or repair as necessary.
^ The pressure regulator valve is stuck.
- Check the pressure regulator valve for sticking in the bore.
- Check the bore for scoring and burrs.
^ The camshaft is worn or poorly machined-replace the camshaft.
^ Worn valve guides-repair as needed.