5.3 Tick/Knock?

[ScottyBoy]

That port right behind the power steering pump is where l hooked into to test mine. If i remember correctly, I'm thinking it's a 8mm hex/allen bit. Whatever it is, I do remember its Metric, NOT Fractional sized bits.
And I have the Harbor Freight oil pressure gauge testing kit. It does NOT come with an adapter to fit LS engines. But heres what I did: First, I replaced my oil pressure switch, hoping that was the problem. When the low pressure persisted, I bought that HF pressure testing kit to check it manually. I realized that the correct adapter was not included, and after much searching online I realized that Ineeded to order the proper adapter. Seems this is a pretty common issue, as MOST pressure guage kits do not include this particular adapter. Nobody locally had this adapter either. But instead of waiting a week for said adapter to arrive, l simply MADE an adapter. Like I mentioned above, I had just replaced the oil pressure switch and i still had the old one. So I used the old switch to make an adapter. I drilled it out and tapped it for 1/8" npt thread, as there was an 1/8" adapter in the Harbor Freight kit, plus l already had a 1/8" thread cutting die. You will need this adapter to screw into the location of the stock oil pressure switch, OR the test plug behind the power steering pump. They both have the same metric threads.

 

[JPVortex]

That port right behind the power steering pump is where l hooked into to test mine. If i remember correctly, I'm thinking it's a 8mm hex/allen bit. Whatever it is, I do remember its Metric, NOT Fractional sized bits.
And I have the Harbor Freight oil pressure gauge testing kit. It does NOT come with an adapter to fit LS engines. But heres what I did: First, I replaced my oil pressure switch, hoping that was the problem. When the low pressure persisted, I bought that HF pressure testing kit to check it manually. I realized that the correct adapter was not included, and after much searching online I realized that Ineeded to order the proper adapter. Seems this is a pretty common issue, as MOST pressure guage kits do not include this particular adapter. Nobody locally had this adapter either. But instead of waiting a week for said adapter to arrive, l simply MADE an adapter. Like I mentioned above, I had just replaced the oil pressure switch and i still had the old one. So I used the old switch to make an adapter. I drilled it out and tapped it for 1/8" npt thread, as there was an 1/8" adapter in the Harbor Freight kit, plus l already had a 1/8" thread cutting die. You will need this adapter to screw into the location of the stock oil pressure switch, OR the test plug behind the power steering pump. They both have the same metric threads.

Thank you! Definitely testing behind the power steering pump where that Allen plug is.

Thankfully I won’t have to make an adapter out of my old switch, the kit I have coming from Amazon on Sunday includes the necessary M16 x 1.50 adapter!

 

[JPVortex]

That port right behind the power steering pump is where l hooked into to test mine. If i remember correctly, I'm thinking it's a 8mm hex/allen bit. Whatever it is, I do remember its Metric, NOT Fractional sized bits.
And I have the Harbor Freight oil pressure gauge testing kit. It does NOT come with an adapter to fit LS engines. But heres what I did: First, I replaced my oil pressure switch, hoping that was the problem. When the low pressure persisted, I bought that HF pressure testing kit to check it manually. I realized that the correct adapter was not included, and after much searching online I realized that Ineeded to order the proper adapter. Seems this is a pretty common issue, as MOST pressure guage kits do not include this particular adapter. Nobody locally had this adapter either. But instead of waiting a week for said adapter to arrive, l simply MADE an adapter. Like I mentioned above, I had just replaced the oil pressure switch and i still had the old one. So I used the old switch to make an adapter. I drilled it out and tapped it for 1/8" npt thread, as there was an 1/8" adapter in the Harbor Freight kit, plus l already had a 1/8" thread cutting die. You will need this adapter to screw into the location of the stock oil pressure switch, OR the test plug behind the power steering pump. They both have the same metric threads.

How did you get that stupid plug out? I cannot get a ratchet on the plug, it just hits the power steering pump. I even tried cutting my allen socket down to be short and still not enough room at all.

 

[JPVortex]

My gosh, I managed to get it out. I had the 8mm allen, into a universal joint, into an extension going straight down to my ratchet. I couldnt get like much of any torque into the plug but did manage to break it free.

Then I had to use channel locks on the socket to twist it out. WHAT A PAIN

To reinstall, Im thinking of getting a new plug that I can use a normal wrench on instead. would make it a BREEZE.

You guys think something like this oil drain plug would hold a seal correctly? It is the right thread size and similar length.

 

[ScottyBoy]

How did you get that stupid plug out? I cannot get a ratchet on the plug, it just hits the power steering pump. I even tried cutting my allen socket down to be short and still not enough room at all.

I dont remember for sure, as it' been 2 or 3 years since I did it. But I dont really remember it giving me much trouble. I think I might have had to use a flex head ratchet, but not a universal joint or anything. I'm thinking the handle was hitting something, that why I needed the flex head, so I could fold the handle down a bit.

 

[JPVortex]

I dont remember for sure, as it' been 2 or 3 years since I did it. But I dont really remember it giving me much trouble. I think I might have had to use a flex head ratchet, but not a universal joint or anything. I'm thinking the handle was hitting something, that why I needed the flex head, so I could fold the handle down a bit.

Gotcha thank you! Im not sure in my case if even a flex head would work. Part of the problem, is there's a sensor right on the bottom of the PS pump. Maybe an EVO system?

Not sure, but do you think that that plug I sent that I can fit a box wrench on would work and seal?

 

[viven44]

Not sure, but do you think that that plug I sent that I can fit a box wrench on would work and seal?

If the original plug is in good shape and you can get it back in with the seal intact, I'd just do that... no point replacing a plug that won't ever hopefully come out.

 

[JPVortex]

If the original plug is in good shape and you can get it back in with the seal intact, I'd just do that... no point replacing a plug that won't ever hopefully come out.

I dont even see a seal on it to be honest, and i dont think ill be able to get it tight at all.

 

[viven44]

I dont even see a seal on it to be honest, and i dont think ill be able to get it tight at all.

Surprised there is no seal. Does that mean it is a tapered thread ?
Sorry I'm weak on metric stuff.
If it is tapered thread, you don't need much torque, you just need it tight.

It should be easy enough to install the old one back on when you are ready, check for leaks.. then decide corrective action as necessary.

 

[JPVortex]

Not sure to be honest, I'll try getting the old one on.

But the one that I can put an open end wrench on is only $5. Just worried if it'd seal or not, but with a gasket Id guess it would?

 

[viven44]

Not sure to be honest, I'll try getting the old one on.

But the one that I can put an open end wrench on is only $5. Just worried if it'd seal or not, but with a gasket Id guess it would?

I would figure out what kind of threads are on the plug. If it is tapered thread, you should go back with the same. Straight thread plugs may not do well in that situation... You can take the plug to a nearby hardware store (one that specializes in nuts/bots) and figure out what you need. Ace Hardware perhaps?

 

[JPVortex]

I would figure out what kind of threads are on the plug. If it is tapered thread, you should go back with the same. Straight thread plugs may not do well in that situation... You can take the plug to a nearby hardware store (one that specializes in nuts/bots) and figure out what you need. Ace Hardware perhaps?

The plug looks almost exactly like this one minus the copper washer.

 

[JPVortex]

Another update, this ones a good one for sure(for the most part)

Put a mechanical gauge on it today and to my surprise the pressure is a lot better than I thought!

Cold start around 45psi, after a few minutes it drops to 35psi. And when warm it hovers right around 32psi. Since I’m so close to the oil pump it’s probably a little lower up top. But it’s definitely enough.

Think I’m going to order a gauge to put in the cab permanently just for peace of mind. Seems easy to install.

Also I got a better video of the ticking sound which was the original cause of starting this thread.


Here’s a video of oil pressure:

Here’s a video of the tick:

 

[viven44]

Good deal. Especially at higher RPMs there is oil pressure for days! Sounds like the factory gauge doesn't reflect this level of increase with RPM.

 

[JPVortex]

Good deal. Especially at higher RPMs there is oil pressure for days! Sounds like the factory gauge doesn't reflect this level of increase with RPM.

Exactly! I’m very happy. Not going to waste my time with the stupid dash gauge, ordering a Bosch mechanical gauge and some copper line for it, with a m16x1.5 to 1/8 NPT.

As for the tick in the video, still sound like an exhaust leak to you? Pretty much back to where I started this thread at lol.

 

[viven44]

still sound like an exhaust leak to you?

Yes

 

[JPVortex]

Yes

Ok thank you! Will ignore for now though.

 

[JPVortex]

Yes

if you don’t mind me asking, where did you route the line for the mechanical gauge? Through the firewall grommet for the main harness?

 

[viven44]

if you don’t mind me asking, where did you route the line for the mechanical gauge? Through the firewall grommet for the main harness?

Not the main harness. Usually I find an empty spot on the firewall (just double check it is truly empty and out of the way), make the smallest hole and fill it with a grommet. I have a grommet assortment I bought off Amazon.

If your main harness or other harness Ingress points have room to feed the conduit, use them by all means.

 

[JPVortex]

Not the main harness. Usually I find an empty spot on the firewall (just double check it is truly empty and out of the way), make the smallest hole and fill it with a grommet. I have a grommet assortment I bought off Amazon.

If your main harness or other harness Ingress points have room to feed the conduit, use them by all means.

Ok thank you very much!