1996 Chevy S-10 s10 oil pressure problem

180,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PERSONDUDE44
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  • 1 POST
I'm a young learning mechanic so I'm not sure what the problem is here. During idle I have a rough vibration which at first I assumed was from the driveshaft (I've heard this was a common problem in S10's). But, the vibration also occurs in park and neutral. It gets steadily worse as the engine temperature goes up. And recently its been going higher than I've ever seen it, but I attribute that to the extreme summer heat. But as the temperature goes up, the oil pressure drops as low 20 - 25 psi at idle and about 50 psi while accelerating (while its normally always been 40 at idle and 60 while accelerating). I believe the vibrations are associated with the low oil pressure now. As well, if i brake too quickly say from 40mph to 10 to make a turn, the engine seizes from the dropping oil pressure. Please give me some guidance as to what this problem could be and where to check first. Much appreciated.
Aug 11, 2010 at 2:55 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Hi persondude44, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Are these readings you are getting is being read by a mechancial gauge-or the dash gauge if not hook up a mechanical gauge if the readings are normal replace the oil pressure switch, abnormal could mean oil pump and engine bearings

NOTE: Your situation here could be the oil pressure switch, once the engine starts up it is the fuel pump and oil pressure sending unit that powers the fuel pump if the oil pressure drops below 4psi it will shutdown the fuel pump.

Try engine flush could be the oil pump pressure relief valve is sticking causing your problem. I assumed no engine knocking noises present-
Aug 11, 2010 at 4:36 PM
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