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1996 Z-71 loses oil pressure


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D&K212
New User

Feb 7, 2009, 10:27 AM

Post #1 of 4 (1096 views)
1996 Z-71 loses oil pressure Sign In

We just recently purchased a 1996 Z-71.The truck has about 170,000 miles on it.The oil pressure was fine the first week we had it.We had the oil changed(i believe it has castrol (10w-40) and i noticed it started fluctuating a little.We took the truck off roading and since then when you start the engine it has 40-50 lbs pressure.Then as the truck comes up to temp the oil pressure will drop almost to "0".Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Feb 7, 2009, 10:57 AM

Post #2 of 4 (1094 views)
Re: 1996 Z-71 loses oil pressure Sign In

Seriouly low oil pressure can be caused by very worn engine bearing and could be covered up some with VERY thick oils. A decent engine should be ok with 10-40. Pressure must be checked with a tester not just the vehicle's gauge!

Anything unusual happen with this off road venture? Oil is full isn't it? Any underside damage, leaks, funny noises?

It oil too full now by any chance? Could be flooded with gas which would way overthin oil with just a small amount.

If you hear classic engine knock from low oil pressure I wouldn't even run this till checked out further,

T



D&K212
New User

Feb 7, 2009, 11:09 AM

Post #3 of 4 (1092 views)
Re: 1996 Z-71 loses oil pressure Sign In

Nothing unusual happened as far as leaks and noises and it was full of oil before we left.I did drain the oil last night and it was almost like water,but not thinking i didnt even check the oil level before drainingUnsure.I havent heard any knocking.As the pressure starts to drop i shut it off.Due you think a 20w-50 and a bottle of lucas could cure this without major cost?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Feb 7, 2009, 11:24 AM

Post #4 of 4 (1088 views)
Re: 1996 Z-71 loses oil pressure Sign In

Need to know about the old oil. Hope you have some. I was thinking fuel from very leaky injectors or something diluted the oil and that will seriously limit it's viscosity and lubrication ability. Old oil would smell of gas. If so - that needs to be fixed at once and you might be ok. Oil treatments can only temporarily raise viscosity if fuel is still getting in. If level goes too full that alone can damage the engine.

If just worn using 20-50 (if temperatures allow) would help buy some time and you might see the warmed up pressure increase to something adequate for a time.

More: If you only saw the low oil pressure while off roading and vehicle was at a VERY high angle it's possible the oil in pan was so sloghed to one end or side the sump pick up couldn't pick any or much up!

Just don't allow it to run with that low pressure or it will (if true pressure) wipe out what's left of the engine in short order,

T







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