Broken Down off of I-10 Louisiana

Scott & Heather · January 16, 2020, 09:02:53 AM

Hi team,

Heading east on I-10 in Louisiana and got a code for low oil pressure and engine shut down. Was able to start again after ignition cycle and pull off hwy at idle speed and into a grocery store parking lot. Oil pressure less than 20 PSI at full throttle blip. Checked the plug and cleaned it with electronic cleaner. No dice. It was fine before this so I'm wondering if my oil pressure regulator bit the dirt? I'm looking through my manual and the internet to try and figure out what's wrong. I'm in the boonies so no truck repair super close to me and I have a concert Friday night in Mobile so I'm hoping to figure this out quickly. Oil level is fine. Double and triple checked that. Not dumping oil on the ground anywhere any more than the dribbles and drips it always has done over the past 4 years. Please walk me through a few troubleshooting steps.

luvrbus · January 16, 2020, 09:37:42 AM

Did you have any codes beside 35 ?.you can disconnect the ops and check the sensor with Pro/Link if have one

richard5933 · January 16, 2020, 10:28:03 AM

Do you have a mechanical gauge in the engine bay to confirm the reading?

neoneddy · January 16, 2020, 11:01:57 AM

Could it be diesel in the oil? I'm hoping for just a simple sensor error of course, just thinking of other things that could cause low oil pressure.

Scott & Heather · January 16, 2020, 02:19:30 PM

Ok sorry for the delay. Been spending the day trying to troubleshoot. Here's where I'm at:

1. My mechanical gauge in the engine compartment was broken so I bought a new one and installed that. Confirmed that I'm getting 20-25 psi max rpm. Engine computer tells me low oil pressure and it shuts down.

2. Replaced oil filter with a fresh one just to eliminate that as a possibility. Didn't change anything.

3. Engine doesn't seem to be leaking oil or blowing it out anywhere any more than it's usual dribbles and leaks.

What else causes a low reading? Oil pressure regulator? Is there such a thing?

If the oil pump went bad wouldn't I just be getting zero oil pressure?

Scott & Heather · January 16, 2020, 02:33:12 PM

I think I'm out of my league at this point. Anyone know of a good detroit service shop near Lafayette LA? That where we are. Going to need a tow to wherever.

usbusin · January 16, 2020, 02:51:31 PM

Scott, doing a search I found;

Stewart & Stevenson Power Products LLC
401 Commercial Parkway
Broussard, LA
337-837-9001

Hope this helps,
Gary D

Scott & Heather · January 16, 2020, 02:53:04 PM

Thanks Gary, but I already checked this place out and they are permanently closed unfortunately.

mikey72 · January 16, 2020, 03:11:07 PM

Quote from: Scott & Heather on January 16, 2020, 02:19:30 PM
Ok sorry for the delay. Been spending the day trying to troubleshoot. Here's where I'm at:

1. My mechanical gauge in the engine compartment was broken so I bought a new one and installed that. Confirmed that I'm getting 20-25 psi max rpm. Engine computer tells me low oil pressure and it shuts down.

2. Replaced oil filter with a fresh one just to eliminate that as a possibility. Didn't change anything.

3. Engine doesn't seem to be leaking oil or blowing it out anywhere any more than it's usual dribbles and leaks.

What else causes a low reading? Oil pressure regulator? Is there such a thing?

If the oil pump went bad wouldn't I just be getting zero oil pressure?

Confirmed good oil pressure, so wouldn't it be a bad oil sending/sensor unit or wiring in that area that's giving the DDEC the bad info?

usbusin · January 16, 2020, 03:16:55 PM

Scott, this is a long shot, but they say they do oil and gas field work, maybe 2 strokes? I'm praying for you and your family.

Gary D

Northside Engine Service and Parts, I N C

1510 Moss St, Lafayette, LA 70501, us

(337) 233-2241

Scott & Heather · January 16, 2020, 03:21:02 PM

Thanks Gary, I have a list of places I'm calling in Baton Rouge tomorrow. I'll reach out to these guys too.

Mikey, the oil pressure isn't good. 25 psi max isn't enough. It usually runs around 35-40 psi max throttle/load.

Scott & Heather · January 16, 2020, 06:31:56 PM

Some specific questions:

1. Would a cracked oil pickup tube or clogged screen cause low oil pressure?

2. Would a pressure regulator stuck cause low oil pressure?

3. Donn is saying I should just roll in new bearings since I have the pan dropped and worn ones can cause the low oil pressure. I'm game to have the shop do this since I never have. What day you?

Dave5Cs · January 16, 2020, 09:57:16 PM

Could be cracked or broken oil rings also but would probably have fuel in the pan too.

richard5933 · January 17, 2020, 02:53:04 AM

Quote from: Scott & Heather on January 16, 2020, 06:31:56 PM
Some specific questions:

1. Would a cracked oil pickup tube or clogged screen cause low oil pressure?...

Didn't Scott over on Bus Grease Monkey just have this problem in his Silverside? Not saying it's the same for you, but if my memory is correct he just fixed a crack in his pickup tube that was causing wonky oil pressure when oil level dropped.

chessie4905 · January 17, 2020, 04:22:33 AM

Did you happen to notice recent lowering of running oil pressure? If it is somewhat gradual, I would suspect fuel in the oil. If it happened quickly, I would think pressure regulator. Bearings should be a gradual thing over time. If you drop the pan, definitely check bearings though, even if it turns out to be the regulator, just to check their condition while they are at it. How many miles since rebuild?