Two Week Update - Low Oil Pressure Fix Successful

[@JamesDavis-qv2ws]

Thanks for the video, great help My daughter thinking of buying a 2006 , but has low oil pressure. Will cost two arms, two legs just to fix, unless done like you. Thank you again. A eng. needs oil pressure to live

[@waldipup9010]

Well , the good thing is that you're quite a mechanic and great that you could accomplish what you did , but I have the same symptoms and all I can do is attempt the pressure switch replacement , not worth the thousand or so to do what you did so will have to junk the car if the switch change doesn't fix it ..

[@brianharrison5481]

Just did a gauge install on my fiance 06 trail the fake oil pressure sensor went bad was dropping to 0 and staying there then back up to normal whenever it wanted to so instead of replacing the waste of money sensor I just unplugged it fact gauge shows 45 psi all the time now and the aftermarket gauge shows 55lbs at idle cold and 36lbs at idle hot so way better than that fake fact gauge

[@KevinNadeau]

Awesome👍

[@cpcoark]

I wonder if the pickup tube was the problem, or part of the problem. You replaced the front cover which is the oil pump. So, now you have a clean screen and new oil pump. I need to do this to mine. I think I will replace both also. To much work required to redo for the oil pump if bad. Good series. I learned a lot

[@KevinNadeau]

I had to replace the front cover because I broke it 😀

[@alecvenable7488]

Just came across this series of videos and my Envoy is having the same problem yours did. I have a small landscaping business so I rely on it to pull my trailer. I'm suspecting the pickup tube is in similar shape yours was, as I have an 03 with 250,000 miles. Looks like I'm gonna be running an oil pressure test with an actual gauge. Thanks for taking the time to put out these videos

[@KevinNadeau]

Thanks for checking out the videos. I hope they're helpful. Let me know if you have any questions. It was quite a process, but glad I did it. I have about 317k on my '04 now.

[@alecvenable7488]

@@KevinNadeau So just wanted to update you. I got an oil pressure gauge and got it all installed and was good to go. fired up the engine and watched the pressure, then started hearing a hissing noise. Turns out, the edge of the radiator fan sliced through the gauge hose becuase I forgot to zip tie it. Oil went everywhere :( Now i gotta see if i can get a replacement hose

[@KevinNadeau]

@@alecvenable7488 Oh no! No good deed goes unpunished I guess. Glad to hear your oil pressure is good👍

[@alecvenable7488]

One quick question...after cleaning your pickup tube what was the oil pressure reading at idle? I'm getting 10 psi at idle. I didn't have long enough hose to route the gauge into the cabin so I stood outside and watched while my dad revved the engine up to 2,000rpm. At 2,000 rpm it read 40 psi and seemed to hold 🤷

[@KevinNadeau]

@@alecvenable7488 On a cold start it would read between 60-70 psi, then drop down to around 40 psi if I remember correctly.

[@Sodaman2449]

Drain oil out pour a whole 3 quart can of parts cleaner into oil pan through oil fill cap let it sit overnight .drain out cleaner refill it with new oil and filter problem solved works for me everytime👍 manufacturer made the pick up screen to small ...this will not damage the seals they are up high on engine block

[@chuey9313]

I'm in the process of doing this right now in my 05 Envoy with 3qts of Berryman Chem Dip. I did a 4hr soak, and my startup pressure went from 30psi to 75psi and idled for 45 minutes and held proper pressure the whole time. I decided to run a can of the Berryman B-12 in the crankcase to clean the galley's and the next day my pressure dropped back to about 30psi, and would hit 0psi within a minute. I think the screen may have picked up more junk, so it's been soaking with Chem Dip again for about 24hrs now, and I've been rocking the truck every so often to help remove anything from the area between the screen, and the metal cover. In another 12-14hrs, I'll drain it, put in some fresh oil and a new filter, and hope for the best. If that don't work, it's time to replace the pickup tube gasket, and the oil pump. I've got an idea for that too though that will save allot of time, and won't require pulling the front dif, the rack, or the pan. A 3/4" hole drilled and tapped directly under the pickup tube to oil pump bolt should allow the bolt to be removed, and then be able to pulled the front cover with everything else still attached.

[@Bone89]

@@chuey9313 did u scucceed?

[@chuey9313]

@@Bone89 I ended up using closer to 2 gallons to fill the whole pan. After doing this the inside of the pan is like new, but the carriers and everything above the pan was still gunked up. After running for a bit, the pressure would still drop, especially if I got on it hard. I drilled and taped a 3/8-24 hole directly under the pickup, and seen that it was getting reclogged. The access hole made it easy to manually clean the screen with some spray and a pick. I haven't had time to mess with it, but I'm hoping that running some MMO for a couple hundred miles will clean it up some, and keep the screen from getting clogged back up.

[@Bone89]

@@chuey9313 everyone says my knock is a rod and and the engine is done, I’m gonna drain it and do as u did and see what happens. Oil pressure drops to zero when coming to a stop.

[@rabmanrabman]

@@chuey9313 great idea for the hole in the pan. do you just put a bolt in it or what?

[@jesusadame8637]

Having the same issue and I'm trouble shooting right now. I will tackle that pic up tube next. God bless you look so satisfied

[@strikeforce2525]

I did not want to take the engine apart or remove the rack n pinion just to get the oil pan to drop on my 2004 Envoy so I could clean the pickup tube. In this Video or the next one Kevin replaces the engine oil with kerosene and this does not work for him maybe he did not leave it in their long enough. I removed the oil and filter in my envoy. Then put a new filter on and replaced the engine oil with 2 Gal of diesel fuel. I let that sit in the engine for 3 days starting the engine once or twice a day for no more than 10 seconds. The now Black diesel was drained and filter removed next added new filter and New Oil and Oil pressure is better than ever.

[@jesdelag9518]

I appreciate your 6 videos, I couldn´t do it myself but I could say to the mechanic what to do (after visit 4 different and pay for nothing) the tube of my Trailblazer 02 (The cousin of the Envoy) was 60% blocked then the rest of the problem was the oil pump, after 1 month and about 1000 miles works great No oil pressure messages or fluctuations. Now I have the P0014 code related to the VVT Solenoid I didn´t remplace it and spect to do it shortly. After these month I still checking the oil level weekly and surprise me that looks clear yet, before the workshop a week after oil change looked really dark. Thank you from Mexico!!

[@KevinNadeau]

The VVT solenoid is pretty easy to replace. I've had to replace mine once or twice. Thanks for the support! 👍

[@fareesbaltero2459]

thanks for the vedios,it idial to clean only the pickup tube and not to ramove it?

[@KevinNadeau]

I would say its ideal from a labor stand point 😁

[@keithreiffenstein9909]

Enjoyed the series of videos..mine just started this 05 trailblazer inline 6 with 280,000... I am going to replace the VVT solenoid, I have a code...and do the parts cleaner down the dip stick tube.. Just wait until you have to replace the front differential!!..just did mine pain in the behind!

[@KevinNadeau]

Thanks! My front diff is leaking on the oil pan side, I just haven't had time to fix it yet.

[@W4UWC]

I really appreciate you taking the time to do these videos. I have a sludged 4.2 in my Envoy that was clearly neglected by the previous owner. I've been reading a lot and feel like I'm going through the same thing that you did. This is a junk car so I don't depend on it for transportation so I'm using it as a learning experience to see if I can fix it cheaply. I'll be doing a Kerosene flush just for fun but don't think it'll help like yours. But it'll be interesting to see how gummed up the pickup tube is. I usually post pics to the main forums of my progress but maybe it's time to jump into doing KZbin videos. Thanks again!

[@KevinNadeau]

I'm glad you've found some value in my videos...thanks for watching. Good luck with your truck.

[@jameshabowick2825]

Thank you very much for the input. I have a 2004 GMC Envoy XL SLT 5.3L V8. I have had the hardest time trying to figure out what the problem was with no oil pressure. I bought this truck in really poor shape and I've been rebuilding it. I replaced the Oil Pan Gasket Seal, but not the Oil Pick-Up Tube Screen. I just replaced the Rack and Pinion and the check engine and check gages light was still on, so I had an oil change done and I was still having the same problem. Low Oil pressure Stop Engine !!!! Hopefully this is the answer...

[@KevinNadeau]

I hope this helps solve your problem. Check back in and let us know how it works out for you.

[@hdmachines3479]

Dude thanks you just saved a car from the junkyard. Your a great help

[@KevinNadeau]

Awesome! Glad the video helped you out.

[@briandossantos9559]

What was your pressure reading at idle ?

[@KevinNadeau]

If I remember correctly, it was around 40-50 psi at warm idle.

[@briandossantos9559]

My oil gage started not to respond do you think it’s normal if I have a 15 to 10 psi after 20 minutes of warm up ? Trying to figure out if it’s a oil pump or electrical.

[@KevinNadeau]

@@briandossantos9559 I would hook up a manual pressure gauge to check the real pressure.

[@jdean1851]

GREAT JOB!!!! ALL GREAT VIDS!!! THANKS!!!

[@KevinNadeau]

Thank you 👍

[@batsonelectronics]

YEA ! , you pulled out the 69 Corvette !!!!!! Your exhaust is way lower than mine was, you got a muffler in there somewhere ? Mine was headers to side-pipes. Very Very loud. I have owned 4 Corvettes in my life, the 2 Mid 90's models were really great compared to the mid 80's one, but the 69 was the one that turned all the heads. Mostly cause how loud it was. That is a sexy car.

[@KevinNadeau]

Thanks! It's actually a 1970 with the '69 side pipes. I agree, the early C3s definitely turn heads!

[@goinhamftw249]

did he remove the diff too drop the pan?

[@KevinNadeau]

Yes I did👍

[@mikhailny9434]

Nice job!! Thanks for video.

[@KevinNadeau]

Mikhail NY No problem, thank you.

[@0LeADeR00]

what do I have to take out to remove the oil pan??

[@KevinNadeau]

😁 A lot!

[@0LeADeR00]

@@KevinNadeau man now I’m terrified to do it😅

[@KevinNadeau]

@@0LeADeR00 Just take your time. If you haven't seen them, I have some videos on my channel from when I had to take my oil pan off.

[@0LeADeR00]

@@KevinNadeau 👍🏻 thank you man you’ve solved a dilemma been eating for months, I’ve changed the oil pressure sensor thinking that would fix it but no, the irony is when i took it to the mechanic he said you have to change the oil to 20w50 and my car takes 5w30 so if I’ve listened to him god knows what could’ve happened. Anyway, thanks again man I appreciate it. Love from Saudi Arabia✌️

[@KevinNadeau]

@@0LeADeR00 Awesome! 👍 Glad my videos help you.

[@stevebahr7782]

More questions if you'd be so kind to answer: I can get the oil pan off a 4x2 by just dropping the steering rack, but for timing cover/oil pump, i need to pull intake/valve cover too, as in your videos. (initially couldnt understand the need for top end disassembly).

[@jamesq8378]

You also can go from underneath and remove the pan. Was the top work for timing chain?

[@KevinNadeau]

No, I had to take the valve cover off to take the timing chain cover off to get the pickup tube off. It was a lot of work.

[@wyattbeckler6725]

I believe I may have the same problem. I hooked up a manual gauge and the psi is about 20 when driving at 1500 rpm. And when warm at idle it drops below 5 psi. My engine started knocking about the same time I noticed the low oil pressure. There is alot of metal shavings in the oil after after running a couple treatments of seafoam through it. Think there is permanent damage and not worth digging into cleaning the pickup tube/ taking it apart to investigate?

[@KevinNadeau]

That sounds pretty similar to the symptoms my truck was exhibiting. Before you throw in the towel, I've had several people suggest to drain the oil, then pour some parts cleaner through the dipstick tube to try and break up any gunk that might be on the pickup tube. If it were me, I would give that a try before digging into the motor. Let us know how you make out.

[@wyattbeckler6725]

@@KevinNadeau thanks for the reply. How long would you leave the parts cleaner in there?

[@KevinNadeau]

@@wyattbeckler6725 Probably no longer than 15-20 minutes. I know when I soaked my pickup in a gallon of Gunk parts cleaner, it was almost squeeky clean in 5 minutes. When your done, drain it then fill with oil. And I would probably drive a few miles then drain/fill with new oil.

[@KevinNadeau]

@@wyattbeckler6725 Also, might be worth trying to find an inexpensive bore scope to look at the pickup screen through the oil pan drain plug.

[@wyattbeckler6725]

Well I tried the parts wash flush. I put a gallon in through the dipstick and let it sit for 25 minutes and drained and it still has the low oil pressure and knock.

[@stevebahr7782]

What was pressure at idle after the fix? Did you replace oil pump, chain guides, chain tensioner?

[@KevinNadeau]

I replaces the oil pump (i.e. front cover) bit not the other stuff. At start up the pressure was 70-80 psi and would come down to around 20 psi (IIRC) at idle when the motor was warm.

[@stevebahr7782]

@@KevinNadeau nice, thanks for the reply, and all of the invaluable information.!!!!

[@Challenged_Disc_Golf]

Did you ever figure out where the metal flakes were coming from? I have the same issue so I'm in the middle of taking the oil pan off to clean the pickup tube.

[@KevinNadeau]

I think most of it was sludge.

[@Challenged_Disc_Golf]

@@KevinNadeau oh okay, makes sense.

[@strikeforce2525]

I did not want to take the engine apart or remove the rack n pinion just to get the oil pan to drop on my 2004 Envoy so I could clean the pickup tube. In this Video or the next one Kevin replaces the engine oil with kerosene and this does not work for him maybe he did not leave it in their long enough. I removed the oil and filter in my envoy. Then put a new filter on and replaced the engine oil with 2 Gal of diesel fuel. I let that sit in the engine for 3 days starting the engine once or twice a day for no more than 10 seconds. The now Black diesel was drained and filter removed next added new filter and New Oil and Oil pressure is better than ever.

[@meanf1502]

What about getting water in the resonator on the top of the motor just before the throttle body

[@KevinNadeau]

I've never had that issue.

[@timothyroot3880]

Hello kevin my 04 Envoy Xuv v8 4×4 is having a low oil pressure problem also, my gauge drops to about 6lbs on idle and slow turning. Do u think i may be having the same issue i am at 182k miles

[@KevinNadeau]

Tim, it is possible. I would do the easiest thing first and that is change out the oil pressure sensor. Are you noticing any oil leaking around the sensor area? That could be a sign of a failing sensor.

[@timothyroot3880]

Kevin Nadeau no i havnt noticed any leaking the problem just started a week ago or so. I have to try and find the sensor on the 5.3l v8

[@kevin122759]

Great job. Those vehicles are a bear to work on.

[@cace1968]

Thank you very helpfuii body.

[@ReallyRandomThoughts]

Glad you're back up and running. What are your thoughts on draining the oil, funneling some parts cleaner through the dip stick tube, and draining that out after a soak?

[@KevinNadeau]

RandomThoughts, Good idea, I guess that's worth a shot. Definitely a lot less work than taking off the oil pan. I wouldn't run the engine while you have parts cleaner in there.

[@michaelvanvleet998]

I am going to try this in the next week or so. I will post results.

[@KevinNadeau]

You could measure the outside dimensions of the bottom-front portion of the oil pan to get an idea of volume of parts cleaner you will need.

[@michaelvanvleet998]

Yes, LxWxH will give volume I could convert to fluid ounces. Good idea.

[@michaelvanvleet998]

Just added a gallon of parts cleaner. Going to let it soak for an hour. Whish me luck!

[@danray9744]

that's why you NEED TO CHANGE THAT MOTOR OIL Often 3500-4000 miles Or you will get Clogged pick up Tubes ! Side NOTE: You do not have to remove the Oil pan to clean the Pick up tube if its clogged with oil sludge Drain the oil put oil plug back in and pour 1 gallon of Berryman Chem Dip 0996 or Gunk CC3K cleaner in oil pan ( pour down the oil Dip stick tube) **DO NOT CRANK OR START THE ENGINE !** Just let the Chem Dip Or Gunk CC3K cleaner set in the oil pan for about 1 hour then drain the cleaner out then flush with kerosene or Diesel Fuel to flush out the Chem Dip cleaner make sure to replace the oil drain plug gasket (seal)

[@blessedthelord]

Kevin I have a 04 Envoy also. How much will you charge me to do the same job? You have the experience and you are cheaper than the dealer.

[@KevinNadeau]

Hey Derek. No offense, but I never want to do this job again 😀. It took me 4 weekends to complete.

[@blessedthelord]

Kevin Nadeau Lol. It looks like a pretty time consuming job. I have 4x4 also. Thanks for the videos

[@payasito8132]

Have you replaced the timing chane?

[@KevinNadeau]

No, still the original one.