LS1 Oil Pressure problem - VX SS

[Langas]

Hi Guys,
Ever since I bought my VX SS I have had a problem (or so I think) with oil pressure.

After giving it a hard launch, you would get the oil pressure light on for a couple of seconds - I assumed this was just because of oil sloshing in the sump and never thought anything of it (Oil level is good too).

The last couple of days though it has been very warm here in Adelaide (40deg +) and at idle it sporadically gives a low oil pressure warning. It was doing it again today but would recover with some gental revs (ie whilst waiting at the lights etc).

Now, to me the car obviously has oil pressure - there is no bearing float noise, no nasty tappett noise etc - which leads me to think its a dodgy oil pressure sensor. Does this sound likely? Are they a common fault?

Any help thoroughly appreciated!!

Simon

[accentstencil]

Oil pressure sensor is a very common fault. Fortunately they have come down in price a lot. They used to be around $300 but I bought one recently from Burson's for around $120 I think, perhaps even cheap I don't remember exactly. I did have to buy a special socket to remove and refit them.

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

What oil are you running and how long since it has been changed?

The LS1 did have a problem with oil pressure sensors, maybe see if you can get a pressure gauge and see what the true pressure is.

[pablo]

If you temporarily fit a pressure gauge, this will tell the true story! Though, the easyway is to fit a new sender.

[Langas]

Its been probably 7000k's since its been changed - I'm not 100% sure what oil is in it - It was changed when the rear main seal was done.

I'm quite worried its going to need the engine out (again!).....So really hoping its only the sensor!

[trav_304]

Oil pressure sensor for sure I reckon. If theres no other problems or abnormal noises Id try that first. When I changed mine just bought a 26mm socket I think it was and just ground the wall of it down till it was a fair bit thinner. It wasnt very tight so the socket didnt need to be strong or good brand. By the way its at the back of the motor near the firewall basterd of a spot. Hope it helps

[Langas]

What was your oil pressure warning doing when you replaced the sensor? Roughly the same sorts of things mine is?

[VUSSLS1]

Ive had to replace my oil pressure sensor twice, apparently it happens quite often. My light always would be random no matter what revs or how I drove it

[Murdoch]

the fact it does it when you launch, oil goes to back of engine and pick up is at the front and when it gets hot, oil gets thinner when hot, i dont think it would be your sensor unit.

If the light was on all the time, or came on in situations where oil pressue would normally be high, then i think the sensor would be faulty.
Get a manual presuure guage on it just to be safe.

[johnno010684]

the fact it does it when you launch, oil goes to back of engine and pick up is at the front and when it gets hot, oil gets thinner when hot, i dont think it would be your sensor unit.

If the light was on all the time, or came on in situations where oil pressue would normally be high, then i think the sensor would be faulty.
Get a manual presuure guage on it just to be safe.

^^ agree with this guy, sounds like the sensor is still working, same thing happened when i put in my oil pump with spacers wrong way around, would go away with revs and if nose was pointing down hill, fitted an oil pressure gauge and turned out low oil pressure. imo sounds like the pump may be on the way out, like a few others have said get it checked so you know for sure.

[wrx884]

check the oil pick up isnt blocked with sludge also.

[Drewie]

How much oil do you run in the engine, when my VX SS had the new pistons fitted under warranty back in 2003 they fitted a revised oil tube and dip stick as they increased the oil capacity slightly, from memory they increased it by half a litre, I have the Holden tech sheet here somewhere. The original handbook said
5 litres of oil but this was increased to five and half litres, a lot of the LS1 performance workshops actually run 6 litres of oil in the LS1 to overcome oil surge.
Looking at the invoice for the parts fitted back in 2003 they also fitted a revised oil pick and screen.

[fixitdude74]

Langas, have you had any error codes read ?? i am getting P0522 which is "Oil Pressure Sensor Socket Voltage Low" , i found the sensor to be faulty and i replaced it. if your engine light is coming on with the oil light, it might be that.