Engine Oil Pressure: Testing and Inspection

^ With the vehicle on a level surface, allow adequate drain down time (10 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.

^ Remove the oil pressure sender or another engine block oil gallery plug.

^ Install the oil pressure gauge and measure the engine oil pressure.

^ Compare the readings to the Engine Mechanical Specifications.

^ If the engine oil pressure is below specifications, inspect the engine for one or more of 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 filter bypass valve
- Broken valve lifters
- Oil pump screen loose, plugged, or damaged
- Oil pump screen O-ring seal missing or damaged
- Oil pump-to-engine block bolts loose
- Oil pump worn or dirty
- Malfunctioning oil pump pressure regulator valve
- Inspect oil pump driveshaft
- Oil gallery plugs missing or incorrectly installed
- Excessive bearing clearance
- Cracked, porous or restricted oil galleries