When I stop harder in my 93 formula the oil pressure drops to 0, while idleing and driving the oil pressure is fine and even stays up if i stop easily. It seems as though when the oil moves forward the pressure drops. any help will be appreciated. I am thinking that the pick up tube could have fallen into the pan or possibly has a crack in it thanks in advance for the help.

 

Do you have a mechanical oil pressure gauge or is it an electrical gauge?

BTW, does the engine have enough oil in it???? I had a Nova that I could tell when I needed to ADD oil, the pressure would drop and turn on the IDIOT light when I would turn a corner hard.

If the pickup tube fell off you would have zero psi all the time, a cracked pickup, low oil level or a malfunctioning gauge could all be possible suspects.

 

The oil isn't low but it could be the tube is cracked the gauge isn't the culprit as it rises and falls as the rpms do also when it falls to zero it will do it slowly with variations in the speed of its' decsent as i brake harder or softer.

 

also the gauge is the stock electrical psi gauge

 

Other thank replacing your oil sending unit, I would have to say your pickup may have fallen off. (I had the exact opposite of your problem, mine was bearings.)

 

With the correct oil level, the bottom of the pump will still pick up oil, even if the pickup tube falls off..... at least until you stop hard and the oil moves forward, away from the bottom of the pump.

 

so the tube has most likely fallen off? I have heard problems like this occuring before, my buddy has a 10 sec lt1 that has a high volume pump. he actually tack welded the tube on and it still fell off. Aren't the tubes press fitted in the pump?

PS. INJUNEER you are a damn genius ha ha you have helped me quite a lot before thanks

 

I'm not saying for certain the pickup fell off - but it is a possibility. I'm only pointing out that when it does fall off, the bottom of the pump is still submerged in oil and will pump oil. The pickup is intended to allow the pump to pull from the very bottom of the pan.

 

From what I have been told, if you bump your oil pan with something like a 2x4 or a rubber mallet and hear a rattling noise, the pickup tube is sitting on the bottom of the pan. Other then you may be able to do, drain the oil and somehow look or feel inside. If all else fails, drain oil and remove oil pan.

 

I have the exact same problem , What did it end up being??

 

Sounds exactly like a pickup tube issue to me. I have had that happen twice to me on different lt1s

 

Can it get disconnected by falling off or is it broken?

 

It is quite possible that is is not broken. I bought a pickup tube holding bracket from Summit that bolts around the tube and onto the pump as well. Have never had a issue since doing that.

 

Here is the bracket needed..actually got it from Jegs..

JEGS #555-23621

Bolt-On Oil Pump Pick-up Retainer
1993-Present SB-Chevy (LT & LS Series) with 3/4" Tube