Looking into my future

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Shaw520

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So,.. although its not creating a huge problem YET!,...my gauge is showing less then ideal oil pressure, and with the hereditary PICK UP TUBE O-RING failure on the LS motors, Im preparing for the worse. Ive done some fairly extensive reading on the issue, there's guys that have successfully changed it from the front cover, and there guys that say you can only do it by removing the oil pan. Now I have still not definitively concluded that this IS my problem, so Ive read that there is a little test that can be performed to see if this is in fact the problem of low your oil pressure condition. First check engine oil level and be absolutely certain it is at correct level, then drive vehicle onto a steep decline, (nose down attitude), it is said that the oil level in the pan will then cover the said O-Ring, and at that point if oil pressure resumes to normal (40psi+) then it is concluded that the O-ring is not sealing properly. I will be attempting this test in the next couple days.
So, with all this said, Im anxious to hear others experiences with this issue, at this point if it is indeed my O-ring that needs replacing, I will most likely attempt the replacement through the front cover and at the same time replace oil pump with a Mellen high volume pump.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mel-m295hv/applications/year/2004/engine-size/5-3l-325, (better than OEM).

The challenge to doing this job from the front is the difficulty in getting the 10mm hold down bolt back into the pickup tube, with a series of magnets, wires, and hemostats while securing a shop rag down in the pan to prevent anything from falling in,.... many have been successful.

Also, I found this little gem made by Improved Racing that can assist in properly tightening the tube to the pump.

http://www.improvedracing.com/oil-p...e-oil-pump-pickup-tube-brace-clamp-p-642.html

So tell me all your experiences with this, maybe one of the members here has already been through this. Thank you
 

PG01

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I dont know man, never had to do it but ill give you my thoughts whether you want it or not.....;)
So you did all that and contorted your hand, dropped the nut a few times.... all worse case scenario, but... you get it done. Two weeks later the main seal goes and what do you have to do? Drop the pan, unbolt trans...maybe it will, maybe it won’t, would you feel better doing it ALL once then ending up having to rip it all down again?
Like i said, i never had to do it but if you gave any luck at all, and its like mine, its all bad......my 2 cents bud.
Maybe im wrong about it all though. Maybe i have no idea what im talking about, maybe I shouldn’t have replied.....maybe...
 
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Shaw520

Shaw520

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No wrong answers here bud,... I appreciate all. And yes those would be the words of the wise.
 

clandr1

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I replaced my pickup tube o-ring about three months ago. I just dropped the oil pan. It took me less than 3 hours. Getting the front cover off is a mother f***er and I wanted to try the easy fix first before tearing into the front of the motor.

My oil pressure is normal again and it cost me less than $100 between the o-ring and the oil pan gasket.
 
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Rocket Man

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Dropping the pan is way easier than the front cover, but if you pull the front cover then I'd replace the pump AND the o-ring and you'd be sure to fix the problem as well as have a new oil pump which isn't expensive either. I'd hate to pull the pan, install an o-ring, and find out it's the pump. What kind of mileage do you have?
 
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Shaw520

Shaw520

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138k on the vehicle,....dropping the pan on mine (4wd) requires lowering the front diff. I also have a slight drip from the water water pump,.. so that will get replaced as well,...its just one more cover after the water pump right ?
 

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