2013 Tahoe oil pressure question

[HughW]

2013 Tahoe (5.3) gave a red oil light and was warning of low oil pressure. At the time pressure on dash was just under 20, maybe 18. My first thought was sending unit because oil level was good , but oil needed changing too ....very black. I changed the oil and filter and towed it to the shop next day. They dismissed the sending unit and thought it may be pickup tube O ring. They checked that by overfilling engine and lifting it but there was no indication it was the O-ring . They then were thinking cam bearings, so I drove it home after starting with pressure at 33-35 and when it got to running temp the pressure was at around 23. My daughter has been driving it several days with no warnings....I'm assuming the oil change helped . My question : At running temp., With the truck's pressure (at idle) at around 23 or so , is that somewhat normal or is it too low?

 

[avalonandl]

23 is normal for idle. I suggest you do several short oil changes. Meaning when its at 20%. Your oil should NEVER be black. That means lack of oil change maintenance.

Is this car new to you?

 

[wsteele]

2013 Tahoe (5.3) gave a red oil light and was warning of low oil pressure. At the time pressure on dash was just under 20, maybe 18. My first thought was sending unit because oil level was good , but oil needed changing too ....very black. I changed the oil and filter and towed it to the shop next day. They dismissed the sending unit and thought it may be pickup tube O ring. They checked that by overfilling engine and lifting it but there was no indication it was the O-ring . They then were thinking cam bearings, so I drove it home after starting with pressure at 33-35 and when it got to running temp the pressure was at around 23. My daughter has been driving it several days with no warnings....I'm assuming the oil change helped . My question : At running temp., With the truck's pressure (at idle) at around 23 or so , is that somewhat normal or is it too low?

The minimum oil pressures according to the book, Hot - Idle 6 psi, 18 psi at 2000 rpm, 24 at 4000 rpm. Having said that, most would tell you something is wrong and needs adressing with the numbers above.

How many miles on the engine?

Did the shop tell you why they dismissed they sending unit as the culprit? Did they mention the screen below the sending unit?

PS - If it were me, I wouldn't drive it at all until I knew exactly what the pressure actually was and why.

 

[HughW]

The minimum oil pressures according to the book, Hot - Idle 6 psi, 18 psi at 2000 rpm, 24 at 4000 rpm. Having said that, most would tell you something is wrong and needs adressing with the numbers above.

How many miles on the engine?

Did the shop tell you why they dismissed they sending unit as the culprit? Did they mention the screen below the sending unit?

PS - If it were me, I wouldn't drive it at all until I knew exactly what the pressure actually was and why.

 

[HughW]

Thank you very much for your reply It has 176,000 miles on it and no they did not mention the screen ...Maybe I should go ahead and request a new sending unit . I'm a jack-leg mechanic and I considered replacing the sending unit but getting to it is tough

 

[wsteele]

Thank you very much for your reply It has 176,000 miles on it and no they did not mention the screen ...Maybe I should go ahead and request a new sending unit . I'm a jack-leg mechanic and I considered replacing the sending unit but getting to it is tough

Here is a guy who doesn't think changing it is all that bad, clearly has done it a few times.

I picked up a few tips though.

 

[HughW]

Here is a guy who doesn't think changing it is all that bad, clearly has done it a few times.

I picked up a few tips though.

Thanks for the video , I've watched a couple of them but this is the first that replaced the screen (on the video anyway)

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics, please.

20 psi at warm idle is normal. The oil pressure should be over 40 psi, as the rpm's go over 2000.

 

[Doubeleive]

I believe the low oil pressure light comes on at 10psi, you may want to order a oil test kit from blackstone labs, they will send you the collection kit free and then you send the sample back and the analysis runs about $30 this will tell you if everything is normal or not as far as the engine bearings, etc. If they detect a unusual high amount of metals it will show in the test.

 

[HughW]

23 is normal for idle. I suggest you do several short oil changes. Meaning when its at 20%. Your oil should NEVER be black. That means lack of oil change maintenance.

Is this car new to you?

It's my daughter's car and she bought it with under 100,000 mi she has been changing oil around 5000, but after this I am suggesting 3000 mi and with your suggestion, I will have her change in 2000-2500 for a couple of times ...Thanks