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1997 Chevrolet Cavalier

 

Question: I'm trying to determine if I need to replace my oil pump or put a new engine in.

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Lesboop, Chattanooga, TN, August 15, 2012, 22:31
 Rookie

My oil pressure light will come on when I'm idling at a stop light/sign. I've had the oil pressure sensor replaced and the light still comes on. I've also noticed that when I go up the mountain, the oil pressure light comes on then but not when I'm going back down the mountain. I've been meticulous about doing my oil changes every 3-4000 miles. I currently have 168,000 miles on her.

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  • Answer #1

    applecycy August 16, 2012, 00:35
     Rookie

    Down is not bright normal, I think no big problem

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  • Answer #2

    goodguy August 16, 2012, 05:58
     Master

    take oil pressure switch out and hook up a gauge that will tell you if the oil pressure is within specs

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    Lesboop, August 16, 2012, 21:27
     Rookie

    Goodguy - being a single woman, is this pressure test something I can do myself?

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    goodguy, August 18, 2012, 07:59
     Master

    if you have an oil pressure gauge you can do it yourself I doubt you have one

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  • Answer #3

    Chevy Power August 16, 2012, 06:18
     Journeyman

    As goodguy said you need to check the oil pressure with a gauge. If the pressure is out of spec. I would replace only the pump assuming you have no unusual internal noises from the engine.

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    Lesboop, August 16, 2012, 21:31
     Rookie

    Chevy Power - I'm not having any issues with any abnormal engine noises. It still has great power and "get up and go". If the pressure test is within specs, any thoughts on what else to check out? Money is a big issue and I don't want to pay to have the oil pump replaced only to have the shop come back and say they found something else wrong after tearing the engine down for the pump.

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  • Answer #4

    Greg's Orange Auto (8467 Answers) , Orange, CA - (714) 361-9355
    globalhelper August 16, 2012, 06:31
     Master

    have a manual oil pressure test done to determine issue but don't drive car as to damage anything just in case

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    Lesboop, August 16, 2012, 21:34
     Rookie

    Greg - thanks for the input. I only use the car to go to the grocery store and/or doctors appts. I don't even put 100 miles a month on it. I'm too nervous to drive it any distance, for fear of having the engine seize up on me for some reason. I'll have the pressure test done and see if it's within the specs and try to make a decision then.

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