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1996 Chevy Blazer oil pressure dropped to zero

Tiny
WOOJJER
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
I had my intake manifold gaskets replaced on Feb 1, 2008 along with an another oil change, and all the connecting hoses replaced: total $666.61 cha-ching. On Feb. 19, 2008 I was driving 65-70 mph on the highway when the engine began to surge. I looked at my oil pressure and it started to drop quickly so I pulled over immidiately and turned the truck off. I checked the oil and it was at operating level. I got under the truck to check for leaks but everything was okay. I had to be towed to the garage where I had the work done. The mechanic told me my engine was shot. Please help!
I have every receipt for every oil change every 3,000 miles like clockwork. I have babied this truck for 9 years. What happened?
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Monday, February 25th, 2008 AT 4:02 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
Unfortunately when your intake gaskets were leaking previously, damage was done to the engine bearings. There is no way to check this out before replacing intake gaskets due to the fact you would have to disassemble the engine and 9 out of ten times the engine will be fine. Not in this case.
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Monday, February 25th, 2008 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
JERRYLMO
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
2001 Blazer 4X4, 4.3L V6 auto trans, 150,000 mi.
When the intake gaskets were leaking was bearing damage due to low oil level? The reason I ask is because I'm seeing signs of mine beginning to leak and would like to AVOID problems as severe as what this gentleman experienced.
Thanks
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Thursday, February 28th, 2008 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
The problem is not low oil level. The problem is antifreeze mixing with oil. Antifreeze eats engine bearings. Even though oil pressure is good the antifreeze touching the bearings eats them causing failure.
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Thursday, February 28th, 2008 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
JERRYLMO
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
So far the only thing I'm seeing is some oil weeping down the back of the engine and the oil pan. My coolant level is holding steady, The oil stays clear (normal darkening) between oil changes and I don't see signs of condensation on the underside of the oil cap. If it's leaking oil does that mean that a coolant leak isn't far behind?
Thanks for your time.
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Thursday, February 28th, 2008 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
KEVINMEHERG
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I am in a similar situation
Anti freeze was in the oil.
I replaced the intake gasket.
6 months later I am starting to see a lower oil pressure. When cold it is 30.15-20 when hot. Drops to <10 when hot at idle.

What do I need to do before catastropic failure?
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Friday, August 15th, 2008 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
You can remove oil pan and check engine bearings for wear to be 100 percent. Does your engine knock when you start it up cold? 10 pounds of oil pressure is still plenty of pressure to prevent failure. The sign of engine wear is most evident on cold start up, if engine sounds ok when cold I would not worry
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+1
Friday, August 15th, 2008 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
KEVINMEHERG
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks, engine sounds and runs fine. Would a thicker weight oil 20w50 help out the situation? Or STP oil treatment ? The truck is not using any oil, even with 240,000 miles.
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Saturday, August 16th, 2008 AT 9:29 AM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
No do not use thicker oil. Use what you have been using all along, probably 10 30 in summer and 5 30 in winter.
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Saturday, August 16th, 2008 AT 12:37 PM

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