LS1 Oil Pressure Problems

[hrpremier]

My wife and I own a 2003 WH Statesman LS1 International LS8.

For some time at idle when engine is cold Oil Pressure Light would come on when stationary at traffic lights. Would disappear when we get going again. Local dealer where I worked checked pressure on tech2 a couple of times and said no oil pressure fault was found. (ie 112 kpa at idle)

Long story short a master gauge has been put on it recently and oil pressure reads 10psi at idle and 30 at rpm. Should be 30 at idle and 60psi at rpm.

I’ve tried a number of methods to fix problem. Replace sensor, Run diesel oil through engine with new filter for 100 kms to try and break up oil sludge to restrict oil flow. Ran cup of diesel through engine oil for very short period of time. Latest effort was to run a 20w/50 oil to fill clearances between valves etc as engine has done 215kms

Next option is to replace oil pump, but instead of it maybe being that and blowing $400 + labor I'm looking at rebuilding engine as I believe the problem may be bearings.

What I’m hoping to find out is there a rebuild kit avail, genuine or aftermarket available like a VRS which also includes internal components that I will require. Also looking at camshafts. What’s recommended?

Plan B instead of rebuild maybe upgrade to LS2. Does that require new computers etc or can I use LS1 electronics.

So many different scenarios going through mind at the moment. Starting to do my head in. Just need some enthusiast’s advice.


Thanks in advance.

Jase

[hrpremier]

Anyone ????

Hoping to get the ball rolling early this week with a plan of action.

Feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Jase

[peter b]

1st option. In all cases like this has been oil pump the relief valves sounds like it is sticking causing a loss in oil pressure. My advice is to definitively determine exactly what has gone wrong before jumping the gun.
At a bare minimum your up for new oil pump and gaskets, I would advise in going aftermarket they are cheaper and are a better product I went through 3 genuine ones before I got one that had no pitting due to rust!!!
2nd choice being upgrade to an LS2 you will need to either have the reluctor wheel swapped or there is a box that can be wired in to convert the signal and a few adaptor harnesses, 4 bolt cable type throttle body but otherwise a straight fit. If your going to do an engine swap I would put an LS3 into it rather than LS2/L98 your there anyway takes the same to fit and make work and bigger capacity.

[hrpremier]

Thanks for your feedback Peter. At this stage I still plan to keep original engine rather then upgrade. It was just an option to quickly consider while engine was out. Oil pump via radiator, via timing cover, via water pump here I come.........

[peter b]

Thanks for your feedback Peter. At this stage I still plan to keep original engine rather then upgrade. It was just an option to quickly consider while engine was out. Oil pump via radiator, via timing cover, via water pump here I come.........

You will find is easier to drop the sump as well. Is a prick of a job to get the bottom bolt for the pickup.

[VYSHSV8]

Tell me about it Pete have done another since you were over and it's a balancing act :)

[peter b]

Tell me about it Pete have done another since you were over and it's a balancing act :)

Thats why i let you do it

[Black VU SS ute]

not the o ring on the oil pick

[hrpremier]

Hi all

What does everyones experience tell them about which oil pump to replace the standard with.

Aftermarket is good and all, don't mind replacing it with one that has proven itself to be stonger, better than the original, but what brand and where did you buy them from.

Cheers for the advice up til now.

Jase.

[Black VU SS ute]

I'm runing a Melling 10296 oil pump in mine with the high pressure spring in i sit at 42psi warm at idle and close to 60psi cold first thing in the morning

[hrpremier]

Cheers. A quick google search this arvo after work bought up a Melling High Pressure pump over and over again so figured I would get a similar answer.

Cheers for the specs settings. Will get onto it in the morning.

Jase