- 30 -
LP Engine G430 (3.0L)
Troubleshooting
Oil Pressure Diagnostics
The following table contains important information for the checking of oil pressure.
Condition
Information
1. Measuring oil pressure.
Use a good automotive oil pressure test gauge. Do not rely on the oil
pressure gauge in the instrument panel.
2. Check engine oil level.
Oil level should be between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks.
3. Oil level in crankcase
May cause loss of engine speed, oil pressure gauge
above "FULL" mark.
fluctuation, drop in oil pressure and hydraulic valve lifter noise at high RPM.
4. Oil level in crankcase
Low oil pressure, oil pressure gauge fluctuation, internal below at or below
"ADD" mark. engine noise and/or damage.
5. Change in oil pressure.
This may be a normal condition. Oil pressure may read high in the cooler
times of the day and when engine is not up to operating temperature. As the
air temperature warms up and the engine is running at normal operating
temperature, it is normal for oil pressure to drop off slightly.
6. Low engine oil pressure
With modern engines and engine oils, low oil pressure readings at idle or high
rpm do not necessarily mean there is a problem. If valve lifters do not "clatter"
(at idle), there is a sufficient volume of oil to lubricate all internal moving parts
properly. The reason for the drop in oil pressure is that engine heat causes
an expansion of the internal tolerances in the engine and, the oil will thin out
somewhat from heat.
7. Engine-to-engine variance.
It is not uncommon to see different oil pressure readings between like
engines, as long as they fall within specifications. Differences in oil pressure
can be attributed to differences in engine tolerances, gauges, wiring,
senders, etc.
