Have you tried the "gold" AC Delco oil filter. It has a higher bypass pressure. I think there is a TSB (not sure if its for the 6.0 but I think its covered) that if you have low oil pressure to try that filter and see if it helps.

 

That pressure is pretty low. Would make me nervous. 25-30 at idle and around 40-45 under load would be good. After 286k, your bearrings are probably pretty worn. You could try shimming the oil pump to increase pressure.

 

I would check with a mechanical gauge first.

 

I will have to try that oil filter.

I considered shimming oil pump before I installed it but decided to leave it alone. Was scared it would be too much pressure. Oil pressure at 1500rpm crusing sits at 38psi which I feel comfortable with.

Just had sending unit replaced a few months ago but I do want to double check with mechanical gauge.

Was really hoping to sell this truck. It's a tow truck and was wanting to get a totally different setup. Anyone know where a decent low cost engine can be found?

 

Have you gotten any codes from the low oil pressure?

 

I did before I replaced sending unit. But was reading 0psi at that time. Had to blow out oil gallery with air for it to register pressure. Doesn't have a screen like most ls engines so

 

I`m not really sure but higher volume pumps usually run with lower pressure more oil and lower pressure see if this is true googling around I could be wrong?

 

run a 5w50 ...

 

I wouldn't run 50w oil. Maybe 10w40, but 38 psi at 1,500 rpm is fine.

 

it's just worn out 286k time to find another engine... or a full rebuild... suggest a re-manufactured engine or one from a fresh wreak

did they check the screen to make sure it was not clogged? ..

also i suggest using something like motorkote since it's on it's last legs this might prevent more damage to the cams when it's low at a minimum it should be 25PSI ish

 

This engine does not have a screen under sending unit. Replaced sending unit expecting one to be there. Local chevy dealer told me these engines did not come with a screen because it does not have the active fuel management system.

 

This engine does not have a screen under sending unit. Replaced sending unit expecting one to be there. Local chevy dealer told me these engines did not come with a screen because it does not have the active fuel management system.

according to the user manual

Oil pressure should be 29-80psi In certain situations such as long extended idles on hot days it could read as low as 15PSI and still be considered normal.

looks like the engine oil is overheating if your dropping into the 15-20 range.. does the oil get black very fast?

it says the engine can catch fire

:arrow: Have you inspected the oil cooling lines? might have a pinched tube or collapsed hose ..or it's clogged..

 

What would cause the engine oil to overheat?

 

a pinched tube or collapsed hose ..or it's clogged..

the HD series comes with the engine oil coolers correct??

 

Yes they are equipped with an engine oil cooler.

 

check the cooler lines and cooler for damage

maybe a rock hit it and pinched the tube.. the cooler could also be clogged with dirt this happens on my computer fan /heat sink pretty often a little distilled water and a squirt bottle and spray it down.. (when its cold)

if it's hot it might damage it aka thermal shock :roll:

 

Did you ever figure out what it was

 

Probably won't hear back from Al8429, as that's a 4 year old post, and that user hasn't returned to the site since then...