Motor Question

Hawgnuttz · April 9, 2009

My 1st post, Hello. I have a 1999 silverado 5.3. The Oil pressure indicator is slow to show pressure when I crank up the truck. I think it may just need a new oil pump but I was told that this motor the oil pump was in the front of the motor and I will have to open up the front of the motor to replace it. With that information I beleive it to be in my best interest to look for a Used motor, ( mine has 205,000). So how do I find a motor so all I have to do is pull mine and drop in the new one without any problems ( computer in check with the new motor). Did any of what I said make sense lol. Thanks for your help. Mike

Schmids5.3l · April 9, 2009

Try a mechanical gauge.

Zembonez · April 9, 2009

You should be able to find a good reasonable mileage replacement 5.3 on http://www.car-part.com I don't know the salvage yards but I know the guys that created that site and it's pretty reliable. Many people I know have used it to buy stuff with great success.

They have an interchange system in place and have inventory from tons of salvage companies across the country. Once it is installed (pretty much a straight bolt in if you get the same year) you will need to have a crank relearn done either by a dealer or a shop set up to do it. It's a simple procedure that doesn't cost much.

Welcome to the ZOO!

Zembonez · April 9, 2009

Try a mechanical gauge.

I agree... make sure you are actually having a problem first. 5.3s can go a ton of miles. Many are well into the 300s.

Hawgnuttz · April 9, 2009

Try a mechanical gauge.

I agree... make sure you are actually having a problem first. 5.3s can go a ton of miles. Many are well into the 300s.

What is the mechanical guage going to tell me? What I think is happening is the pump looses its prime after I shut the motor off then whenI crank her back up it just takes a few seconds for the pressure to build back up. Does this sound typical... Or am I way off course...

txab · April 9, 2009

Try a mechanical gauge.

I agree... make sure you are actually having a problem first. 5.3s can go a ton of miles. Many are well into the 300s.

What is the mechanical guage going to tell me? What I think is happening is the pump looses its prime after I shut the motor off then whenI crank her back up it just takes a few seconds for the pressure to build back up. Does this sound typical... Or am I way off course...

Your sending unit or the gauge could be acting up. That's why it was suggested to double check.

Hawgnuttz · April 9, 2009

I`m just curious is the oil pump ,mounted in the front engine cover or is it mounted in the oil pan.. Is it a internal pump or a gerotor or twin pump...

Zembonez · April 9, 2009

I`m just curious is the oil pump ,mounted in the front engine cover or is it mounted in the oil pan.. Is it a internal pump or a gerotor or twin pump...

It bolts up to the face of the block.

Here is the best pic I can dig up. The block in the pic is upside down but you get the idea. Bare block with oil pump bolted to it.