No Oil Pressure

[68w46]

How can I re-prime the oil pump? MY 03 ssei sat for a week and now I have no oil pressure. I'm sure that is the problem. The gauge checks it self then goes to zero. The engine starts but from the sound of it it isn't gatting oil pressure. everything was fine before I went on vacation. I never heard of a oil pump going out like that. Is the pump driven off the front of the crank?

[crash93ssei]

Yes, the pump is driven off the crankshaft, it is self-priming and shouldn't ever lose it's prime anyways... especially after only a week. I have had 3800s over the years sit for over a year and they fired right up with good oil pressure.

What do you mean it sounds like it isn't getting oil pressure? Is it rattling really bad? If it is rattling then that is a bad sign!

It is not common at all for an oil pump to fail on a 3800, I can only think of one 100% confirmed case since I have been around this forum and that was on my old '93 SSEi and the pump gear broke in three pieces.

It is most likely that your oil pressure sending unit has failed, but I believe those normally fail and show max oil pressure.

See if you can remove the sending unit and put on a mechanical gauge to confirm the no oil pressure. If you do that and still have no oil pressure then it is basically time for a replacement engine, especially if that zero oil pressure is in conjunction with a rattling noise from the engine.

Also, if there is rattling from the engine, make sure to check the harmonic balancer by (with the engine OFF) grabbing one of the belts and seeing if there is any play in the belt direction back and forth. If the belts move an inch or two then you hear a metal slapping noise then the harmonic balancer is shot and is also the source of your rattling.

[MattStrike]

Maybe somebody drained the oil on you, or it leaked out the pan?

Check the oil for metal flakes (hold under a bright light, look for tiny sparkles) about the consistancy of metallic paint. If there is metal in the oil, then the bearings are bad and you have to replace them or rebuild, depending on how much damage was caused. If there is not any metal in the oil, then bearings have not gone bad, and fixing the pump issue is all you need to do (whether it's a failed sensor or a failed pump).

I had the oil pump on my LG3 fail. At 247,000 miles. It was making growling noises for 1500 miles before it gave out.
These oil pumps are gerotor pumps: they don't wear as fast because all rotation is about a single axis - no side to side torque to wear out the cavity.

[68w46]

I havnt had time to work on it , maybe the oil pickup screen is plugged?
I will check the pressure with a gauge then drop the pan if needed.

[crash93ssei]

If the pickup screen is plugged then you have much more to worry about then just that alone. I don't believe you will find that to be the issue.

[00Beast]

I concur with above. There is no prime to lose, either the pump has failed or you have another issue.

[68w46]

Today I removed the OP sending unit, applied 25 psi to it with a hand pump, turned the key to ON. The fuel gauge read appropriatly. The Oil Pressure gauge did not move. I thought it should work. Is it waiting for a signal from some other sensor?
Anyway, I then disconnected the coil packs so it would not start, had my son turn the key to start for about 7 seconds while I was under the car looking at the sending unit hole and no Oil came out.
I then drained the oil to look for metallic particles and and examine it. Other than having about 4000 miles on the oil it looked normal.

Now what? Should I put fresh oil in it and try to squirt oil out again? Waste money on a sending unit that I suspect is good? Every sending unit on these bonneviles that I have heard of peggs at 120 when they fail. I guess they could go to 0. But that doesn't explain why there is no oil squirting out they sending unit port on the engine. If some bearings were worn, or spun, The oil pump would at least push some oil out of the sending unit hole. I'm leaning to a failed pump. Although every mechanic I've talked to said it is most likely not the pump, they never fail.

I might put fresh oil in it and turn it over to get oil out

I really don't want to spend money on this car. As much as I love the ssei's I had the car for sale because I have been wanting a rear wheel drive V8 vehicle. I can't justify spending 3G's replacing the engine when the car in execellent shape could only get 5 for.

2003 Bonneville for sale. In great shape, Runs great, just no oil pressure!

[PLAGUE PHANTOM]

3g for an engine replacement is ridiculous. I had mine rebuilt, bored, and reinstalled for about $1700. These engine are relatively cost efficient if it is needing replacement. I would keep it and fix it. But it is your car and you are entitled to do what you want with it.

[MattStrike]

Drop the oil pan, and check the pickup. It's possible that the gasket on the pickup (where it bolts onto the block) has failed, or the pickup is plugged.

If you don't find anything, pull the timing cover (have to pull the harmonic balancer) and check the oil passages up to the pump.

You said there is no metal in the oil. The engine is not toast yet, so fix the oil pump. Pulling these parts won't decrease what you can sell for, but fixing it will increase the value.

[00Beast]

I agree. No oil at the sender port = failed pump or other issue.

[Archon]

What oil filter are you using? Talking with so mechanics around here, they've reported problems with some of the e-core filters where they collapse internally, causing a drop in the pressure.

[68w46]

I usually use a fram filter, the oil varies though. 10w30 by Chevron, Havoline, Valvoline, Penzoil. Oil changes are usually around 4000 but occasoinally as far out as 6500. I would like to say I change it religiously at 3000 but it doesn't get done like that.

About a rebuild, if needed I'll pull it and rebuild it myself. It will take a long time as time permits. I have a spare truck to use.

[01bonneSC]

I usually use a fram filter,

Theres a possible cause of the problem.

[MattStrike]

I usually use a fram filter

[Jfridge92]

I usually use a fram filter

I'm starting to think Archon may be on the right track here now....

Fram = garbage in most cases.

[01bonneSC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEjpdcCn8jQ

Purolator commercial....

[01bonneSC]

Another good video breaking down 9 dif oil filters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsQ2LbHG ... re=related

[00Beast]

Dude, put a GOOD oil filter on there, NAPA Gold/Wix/CarQuest, Mobil 1, K&N, Amsoil, etc, and I'd bet you get oil pressure back. NEVER AGAIN USE FRAM.

[68w46]

FRAM BAD, OK i get it. Still no pressure. The one I pulled off was not a fram, it was a WIX. Replaced it, nothing.

I plan on removing the oil filter adapter to inspect it and if nothing , I'm gonna remove the crank pulley/ balancer to get to the oil pump.
Can somone explain how to get to the oil pump? Does the front timing cover have to come off? I plan on dropping the oil pan regardless, does it have to come off first, well, after I suspend the engine and remove that big ass motor mount bracket.

AJ

[00Beast]

Yes the timing cover has to come off. The oil pump is in the timing cover, and spun by the nose of the crankshaft.