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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / General Car Topics / March 2006

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88 Firebird 305 Oil Pressure Issue - Please Comment

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repsol@gmail.com - 31 Mar 2006 00:30 GMT
First off the car is a 1988 Firebird Formula 305 Vin Letter E. I've
picked up a new oil pump but when I printed out the repair specs I've
decided to try and get some input from the web.

I'm having an issue where on startup cold I'm getting around 30 psi and

that stays pretty constant until engine warms up, then I start to lose
oil pressure and eventually at idle it completely drops to zero.  When
I am driving I get about 15 - 25 psi but if I come to a complete stop
or slow down to a crawl I lose complete oil pressure and then I get a
knock that scares me. The only time it knocks is at idle or driving
really slow with no oil presure. I've decided to not drive it until I'm

sure what can be done to help the issue.  I am running 10w30 and I
believe the oil type isn't the issue. I'm afraid the oil pump might be
going out. Is there any other options that might be the issue before I
have to start the long process of changing the Oil Pump. Like maybe a
faulty pressure relief valve or a sending unit?

Thank you for your input
webpa - 31 Mar 2006 01:50 GMT
No knowledge specific to your engine...but in general:

Is there an oil pressure regulator either built into or separate from
the oil pump?  If built into the pump, then a new pump will fix...if
separate...get a new one.

It is also possible that your crankshaft or camshaft bearings are so
worn that even a new pump cannot maintain pressure...but I'm voting for
a pressure regulator or pump problem.
cselby@mts.net - 31 Mar 2006 20:37 GMT
The realy big clue here is the knocking noise at warm idle.  You get
this noise from sloppy bearing clearances.

>It is also possible that your crankshaft or camshaft bearings are so
>worn that even a new pump cannot maintain pressure...but I'm voting for
>a pressure regulator or pump problem.

This would be the most likely cause of low oil pressure.  Oil pump
would be the second probable cause.   When you get around to pulling
the pan down, save some work by removing a rod and  main cap and
inspecting the exposed bearing shell.    A smart person would use
Plastigauge to measure out the clearances.   The crankshaft will
likely be worn enough to warrant undersize bearings.

Pete
Licenced Automotive Mechanic
Licensed Heavy Equipment Mechanic
 
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