Engine Oil Pressure: Testing and Inspection

Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing
After running the vehicle for a few minutes on a level surface, turn the engine off and allow for adequate drain-down time (2-3 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.

Inspect for the following:
- Oil contamination
- Oil diluted by moisture or unburned fuel mixtures
- Improper oil viscosity for the expected temperature
- Incorrect or malfunctioning oil pressure sensor
- Incorrect or malfunctioning oil pressure gauge
- Plugged oil filter
- Malfunctioning oil bypass valve

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

Install an oil pressure gage and measure the engine oil pressure.

Compare the readings to specifications.

If the engine oil pressure is below specifications, inspect the engine for one or more of the following:
- Oil pump worn or dirty
- GOil pump-to-engine front cover bolts loose
- Oil pump screen loose, plugged, or damaged
- Oil pump screen O-ring seal missing or damaged
- Malfunctioning oil pump pressure regulator valve
- Excessive bearing clearance
- Cracked, porous or restricted oil galleries
- Oil gallery plugs missing or incorrectly installed
- Broken lash adjusters