Oil pressure loss question

[hardknox00001]

Have a 96 3.8 Firebird that has over 200,000 miles. When you start it up and start driving, it has oil pressure like it is suppost to but after you have been driving for a while, it drops slowly til just above zero and you hear the "ticking" sound. I have asked around local and I have been told that if the car has been hot, the oil pump cover will warp, which will allow the pressure to fall when it is warm. The car has been hot, my son :spank: more or less ran it out of antifreeze. I have fixed the antifreeze problem with new head and manifold gaskets but the oil pressure problem excapes me :( .

Is the oil pump cover really the problem or should I look at something else?

Thanks,
Randy
Liberty, TN

[Mogobs30th]

Re: Oil pressure loss question

ITs possible, probably unlikely tho. There is a gerator in the front cover, it covers most of the front of the engine, including the water inlet and outlet for the water pump. If that thing was warped, I wouldn't think that the car would not leak. If its warped, it would be leaking either oil, antifreeze, or both.

My guess is worn crank and rod bearings.

[3.4 slow to go]

Re: Oil pressure loss question

my old t/a had this issue, good pressure when first running, then drop to zero at operating temp. I'd look into a new pump.

[hardknox00001]

Re: Oil pressure loss question

Update.... I have shown the oil pump gears and the front cover to a local mechanic and he says that the aluminum front cover is showing some wear and that I should go ahead and replace the gears and the cover. I have the new gears as an oil pump kit is only $40.00 but I am having a little difficulty finding the correct cover. Is the dealer the only place to get a new cover? I hate going to the dealer for anything as they overcharge greatly! :rant:

[Joey41]

Re: Oil pressure loss question

Just a thought... I do understand that overheating is more than likely what your issue is, and I have had similar issues. After fixing overeating issues on my 97 Camaro, I found that I was still having low oil pressure, and came to find out that my oil pressure sensor was going out and eventually did start leaking oil. It cost all of $30-$40 at Autozone. Since replacing the sensor everything has been back to normal in my situation. Good Luck!

[hardknox00001]

Re: Oil pressure loss question

I have already replaced the oil pressure sender, twice. I need a new timing cover, where else can I get it besides the dealer or do I need to just bite the bullet?