CORRECT OIL PRESSURE READING DIAGNOSIS AND SWITCH P/N

VEHICLES AFFECTED: ALL A, F, J AND L CARS WITH THE ABOVE ENGINES

Condition:

---------- Comments have been received on perceived low oil pressure at idle with the above engine. The minimum oil pressure at hot idle with this engine should be 41 Kpa (6 PSI).

The dash gauge should never be used as a final reading on any engine. An external gauge should always be used. This gauge should have a full scale reading of no more than 414 Kpa (60 PSI) , and should be checked regularly for accuracy.

Correction:

----------- 1. On A and J cars with instrument clusters having both a gauge and a warning light, the warning light may flicker at idle. If this condition is found, replace the sender with P/ N 10068576.

2. On cars with standard warning lights, the light may flicker at idle. If the external gauge check above indicates sufficient pressure at idle, replacement of the oil pressure switch should correct the condition.

3. On cars with standard analog gauges, the needle may just touch the red band of the gauge at idle. If the external gauge check above indicates sufficient pressure at idle, the customer should be informed that this condition is normal, as long as the pressure goes up immediately when engine RPM is increased. Several cars are being changed in production to decrease the width of the red band to proper limits.

It is acceptable for an engine that is hot to read as low as 6 PSI at idle. The oil reading should go up immediately when RPM is increased. Only when oil pressure is below 41 Kpa (6 PSI) at idle, or stays low at higher engine RPM, should engine repairs be attempted.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.