Low Oil Pressure
wilkerson3
01-13-2011, 03:16 PM
What are my solutions for low oil pressure on our 99 Montana?
Low pressure light came on when slowing down to a stop and then engine died. I can start engine, but have to give it a lot of gas to keep it running while other foot is on brake (engine runs extremely rough and dies again).
Not sure where I start to fix low oil pressure.
Thanks
Low pressure light came on when slowing down to a stop and then engine died. I can start engine, but have to give it a lot of gas to keep it running while other foot is on brake (engine runs extremely rough and dies again).
Not sure where I start to fix low oil pressure.
Thanks
MagicRat
01-14-2011, 04:58 AM
These two problems are definitely related.
My first guess is that the camshaft broke. This was a problem with the V6 engines in this model, as they got older.
Often the camshaft breaks partway along, so some cylinders towards the "front" (right side) of the engine still work. But the other cylinders are dead, because the valves are not working, hence the low power and rough-running.
Also, the oil pump is driven by the camshaft. Since its broken, the pump does not rotate, and you have NO oil pressure (not just low pressure).
If this actually has happened, your engine is probably severely damaged internally. Some of the valve gear may be bent, as well as scored engine bearings, depending on how long you ran the engine with no oil pressure.
You would likely be looking at an engine rebuild, or source a used replacement engine from a salvage yard.
My first guess is that the camshaft broke. This was a problem with the V6 engines in this model, as they got older.
Often the camshaft breaks partway along, so some cylinders towards the "front" (right side) of the engine still work. But the other cylinders are dead, because the valves are not working, hence the low power and rough-running.
Also, the oil pump is driven by the camshaft. Since its broken, the pump does not rotate, and you have NO oil pressure (not just low pressure).
If this actually has happened, your engine is probably severely damaged internally. Some of the valve gear may be bent, as well as scored engine bearings, depending on how long you ran the engine with no oil pressure.
You would likely be looking at an engine rebuild, or source a used replacement engine from a salvage yard.
wilkerson3
01-14-2011, 09:50 AM
Well, I guess they can't last forever, right? We are going to run a few tests and then we may be scrapping her. Thanks for the feedback.
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