oil pressure variations

[jcbtler]

In my 96 tahoe, 129,000 miles. I am having some serious oil pressure variations. It is like I have a second tach. At idle it is at 20psi and when I accelerate it goes up to 45-50 and then drops again when I get off the gas.

Is this a indication of anything going bad or is it just a sign of wear. Basically is it something I need to be worrying about?

-Joe

[bartlanz]

My 98 is the same way, I was wondering the same thing the other day.

[maintainin76]

I have a 99 tahoe with 70,000 and it does the same thing. Oil pressure is around 20 when idling warm. When I'm on the pedal its about 42. I remember a post while back that addressed the same issue and I think GMMerlin came on and said its normal operation. I wouldnt be too concerned about it. Now if i was traveling down the highway and my oil pressure started dropping, then I might get worried.

[typicalsituations]

I was told by the dealer I got my Tahoe from that it is normal. I didn't believe him, so he showed me two other tahoes on the lot that did the same thing. My cousins 98 Truck does it as well. I have been told by many people that it is normal.

[jcbtler]

I don't believe that it is normal. maybe it is typical of a tahoe with a that many miles on it but not normal.

I have done some reading and poeple say that the oil presure sensor it to blame. Do you guys believe that??? Or is it the oil pump???

[SUBURBANITE01]

Low Oil Pressure Of About 20 Lbs At Is Normal For Small Block Chevys And Has Been For A Looooong Time, As Long As It Goes Up To 40 + While Driving Your Ok...

[Obi-Wan]

Originally Posted by jcbtler

I don't believe that it is normal. maybe it is typical of a tahoe with a that many miles on it but not normal.

So what's the difference between "typical" and "normal" in your book?

20 psi is plenty of pressure for an engine at idle. Yes, your bearing clearances are probably worn, but it's nothing to worry about yet. As long as the pressure climbs up to 40 when you're on the gas, you'll be fine. The symptoms you're seeing happen with most older engines. If the oil pressure drops below 15 at idle, then it's probably time to start saving for a rebuild.

Running thicker oil may help some, and you can rebuild the pump if it'll make you feel better. Sounds like the sending unit is working fine.

[zeebea]

I am pretty sure that the general rule of thumb for oil pressure is 7PSI per 1000 RPM. So with that in mind 20 at idle is more than enough. At 4000 RPM you would need at least 28PSi so you are all set. Also if the pressure goes up with gas then it is working. My old 98 was the same. 2001 5.3 is around 40 at idle and 65 at speed.

[Chevy_Man_Tahoe]

I have the Same Problem with my 96 tahoe with 105.000 DID anyone find out the problem????? but my oil pressure is around 60 psi that not normal is it ware or is it the pump?????????