95 ETC Northstar no oil pressure

[mcampau]

As the title says I just picked up a 95 ETC with a Northstar with no oil pressure. It is not the oil pressure sensor as there is no oil reaching the top of the motor. Here's the story, after being driven normally for about 30 minutes it was parked (with good oil pressure). Then, hours later it was started back up with a major lifter/follower tick and the low oil pressure shut off engine warning, it was shut off immediately.. The only time it was ever attempted to start again was by me for about 2 or 3 seconds to see if oil was reaching the top of the motor, which it was not.

I pulled the oil pump and those clearences were extremely tight.

My other thoughts are

1. Oil pump pickup broke

2. Somehow on startup it mutilated a bearing causing the no pressure condition.

Any thoughts??

Also has anyone attempted to remove and replace the oil pan without pulling the motor as all the instructions say?

Thank you in advance for any help.

[BodybyFisher]

Did you take the oil pump out?

Upon reassembly did you pack it with white petroleum jelly?

Did you check the pressure relief valve?, they have been known to stick open from debris causing no pressure

See these threads

http://caddyinfo.ipb...?showtopic=1485

http://caddyinfo.ipb...?showtopic=1538

Low or No Oil Pressure

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 gage -- replace the oil pressure gage.
• 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.

[mcampau]

Yes the pump is out and it is the old style pump. With this pump there is no way for me to check if it's sticking while the pump is fully assembled. There were a few tiny pieces of carbon in the valve bore. I picked up the redesigned pump to put in now. I will pack that with petroleum jelly and reassemble.

With the timing cover/front cover gasket set there is a small o ring called the oil pickup tube seal. Does that install in the backside of the pump in the groove around one of the inlets?? Im asking because the old pump didnt have a seal there.

[BodybyFisher]

I just looked at the 96 service manual, and there is NO mention of any seals behind the oil pump, however here is the oil pick up installation instructions

Oil Pump Pick-Up Replacement

Removal Procedure

Remove the transmission assembly. Refer to Transmission Replacement in Automatic Transmission.

Remove the exhaust crossover pipe.

Remove the engine oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .

Remove the support nut and the mounting bolt and remove the pickup pipe.

Installation Procedure

Lubricate the suction pipe seal, located in the oil manifold, with the engine oil and insert the pickup tube

[mcampau]

Thanks, but it turned out to be the oil pump! It fired right up and made great pressure. Thank god, I did not want to have to pull the pan. Thank you a ton for the help.

[BodybyFisher]

Thanks, but it turned out to be the oil pump! It fired right up and made great pressure. Thank god, I did not want to have to pull the pan. Thank you a ton for the help.

I am glad to help, but if the pressure relief valve was stuck open, there may have been an easier way to solve this problem, by overfilling the crankcase, we have seen the problem before, but I am glad you solved the problem.

By the way, I am sure that you know, but it is VERY important to properly torque the balancer to obtain proper oil pressure

[mcampau]

I have read and noticed how critical that can be so I did torque it properly.