Notices
GM Engine & Exhaust Performance EFI | GEN I/GEN II/GEN III/GEN IV Engines |Small Block | Big Block |

5.3 oil pressure drop after cam swap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-10-2012, 03:56 PM
  #1  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
 
1SloLQ9's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 5.3 oil pressure drop after cam swap

hey guys, I have a 05 silverado with a 5.3 lm7 engine, It has 82k on it. before my cam swap I would have 50lbs at idle cold, 37-40lbs at idle hot, I swapped in a cam from my buddies 03 lq9. with similar mileage and it had same oil pressure as mine, after swap i noticed my oil pressure was at about 20-25psi hot at idle, about 30-35 cruising at 70mph when hot. It has 5w30 oil in it with about 5k on the oil. i've already stripped motor down and replaced cam retainer plate with upgraded countersunk plate and bolts. no difference.

When i rev the engine up in neutral hot it will still hit 60lb around 4k. I just find it very odd that it has lower pressure at idle with this cam. i've talked to a performance shop locally who said it could be the cam bearings were worn a little differently in his truck so its causing this effect on mine, I'm about ready to just swap in my original cam and leave it at that. I will try changing the oil and using 10w30 synthetic, its about 90* out now. the 5w30 in it currently is dino oil from an oil change place.

I just dont like seeing low oil pressure.
Old 06-10-2012, 04:06 PM
  #2  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (11)
 
2000chevysilverado's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Machinegun Valley KS
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Hook up a gauge just to be sure before you swap all back to original
Old 06-11-2012, 05:55 PM
  #3  
Truck Sponsor
iTrader: (2)
 
Sales3@Texas-Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Did you remove the oil pump or swap the timing chain during install?
Old 06-11-2012, 05:58 PM
  #4  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (7)
 
TXSZ66AVLANCHE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

You have 5k on the oil???
Old 06-11-2012, 06:56 PM
  #5  
Launching!
iTrader: (2)
 
LsF-150's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Jake@Texas-Speed
Did you remove the oil pump or swap the timing chain during install?
I'm with this guy, if you pulled the oil pump and didnt pull the pan to remove the pick-up tube theres a good chance the o-ring isn't sealing completely
Old 06-12-2012, 10:41 AM
  #6  
Truck Sponsor
iTrader: (2)
 
Sales3@Texas-Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LsF-150
I'm with this guy, if you pulled the oil pump and didnt pull the pan to remove the pick-up tube theres a good chance the o-ring isn't sealing completely
That was the direction I was going.
Old 06-12-2012, 10:47 AM
  #7  
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (10)
 
nonnieselman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Crystal Springs, MS
Posts: 14,068
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

a new oring is only about $4.. id get one and put it in.. Rule that part out.
If your truck is 2wd, its a peice of cake.
Old 06-12-2012, 12:24 PM
  #8  
On The Tree
Thread Starter
 
1SloLQ9's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

No I did not remove the oil pump or pan, I went in through front cover and just pulled the cam sprocket. never touched pump or pan. I have a 4x4 as well. YEah my oil has 5k on it. Its just 5w30 oil from a oil change center. i'm also running a supercharger on it, so i'm thinking since i've been running 11.5 to 1 for the last 800 miles maybe my oil is being dilluted with fuel as well. i'm going to run 10w30 synthetic on next change this week.
Old 06-12-2012, 12:39 PM
  #9  
On The Tree
 
xdmikey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by TXSZ66AVLANCHE
You have 5k on the oil???
I'm with this guy! Oil is the only maintenance I'm strong on. I use Dino oil but rarely beyond 3500 miles.

I do, however, have the thrill of having my tranny rebuit(upgraded and better TC)@ 175k, even after pan drop fluid changes every 20k.

Prepping for the cam!
Old 06-12-2012, 02:00 PM
  #10  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (11)
 
02 BLK WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Glen Carbon, IL
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

5k miles on dino is retarded especially with forced induction. Put a good synthetic 10w30 and if you want to run extended on your oil changes, I suggest UOA's to make sure your oil is still good.


Quick Reply: 5.3 oil pressure drop after cam swap



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:31 PM.