1996 Chevy Astro excessive oil pressure

JIMDCR

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

While driving one night I noticed that my oil pressure is shooting all of a sudden up to 80 psi, didnt stop but after several minute went back down. Yesterday morning I started the van to move it and all of a sudden a lot of oil came out of the engine and found out later in the mechnics shop that the oil filter bursted. Mechanic changed the oil filter (better)and put in oil. Same thing happen, pressure goes way up and almost burst the filter again, just stopped the engine to prevent this. What could be wrong, no smoke is coming out of the exhaust.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi:
There us an oil pressure regulating valve in the oil pump. This item limits the amount of pressure. Either the valve is stuck in the closed position or is sluggish or slow to open. The spring that regulats the pressure may be broken or stuck. Believe it or not, the regulator shouldn't allow the pressure to to get above 60 PSI before it allows the oil to bypass. However, and OEM filter will not distort until 150PSI. Therefore, you were above that.

To repair the problem, confirm with your mechanic that the regulator is an integral part of the oil pump and replace the pump if it is. There is no other choice.

Let me know if this helps you. Also, positive feed back is appreciated.

Joe