1997 Chevrolet Express 1500 5.7L 4l60e Oil Pan Removal
 

Hello,

I have a $1500 craigslist 1997 Chevy Express 1500 5.7L 4l60E 130,000mi with low PSI issue. It is within spec of "GM says 10 psi per 1000x RPM" but idling in gear at a stop sign gives me the creeps seeing such low PSI. Oil PSI goes up during anything above idle and at highway speed. I have ran a mechanical gauge to be sure it was not sending unit. Many mechanics have told not to worry about it. I am running 5w30 Mobil 1 High Mileage. I just noticed a slight knock when it is really hot out 90'+. I would like to replace the oil pickup O ring, oil pump and check screen if I can easily remove the pan. If i I need to pull the motor I will just put heavier oil in it.

Can I remove the oil pan without jacking the motor or pulling it. Mechanic friends say I need to cherry pick the motor in vans and it's a nightmare. Upon inspection it does not appear this way. Not much in forums on this year and I have searched and searched! I am hoping because it's so easy to do there is no need for a post. I am just scared to drop pan in my backyard and be stuck. See attached pictures.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...ac23915fb3.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...e22f135c4a.jpg

Thanks for your experience and information.

Hi, according to Autozone's Repair Guide, the job is done with the engine in place.

NOTE: The pictures look to be of a 4 wheel drive van, you can see the front driveshaft, not sure if this will affect the job, probably not.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...ff5cc7c2ea.png


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...4e8f3cc7b0.png

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...4eefa4cf1c.png


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...b4d1a431fe.png

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...edb2521fc6.png


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...9044aabd54.png



https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...c5249a8299.png

Thank you so much for taking the time to post a detailed response. Your awesome.

it's a express. I will attempt a oil pressure fix when we get home. Knock at idle in gear around 500ish rpm is there. Not sure if I want to put too much cash in it if it needs rebuild. Runs great beyond that if i can get 30k out of it with oil fix I'd be happy and deal with knock. Hope it goes away if i get enough psi.

Not a 4 wd van. All wheel drive or quigley conversios have torsion bars, coils springs wold be in the way of the front axle shafts.

Hi, can you explain what we're looking at?

Try a heavier oil before doing the work. My 93 Suburban has about 350k miles; with 5/30 oil it barely makes 5psi at idle when warmed up. With 20/50 it gets 10 at idle and 30psi on the highway. No noises and only eats a qt every 2000 miles.

Everyone. Thanks for taking time out of your busy days to help me out.

The pictures attached are of the oil pan in the van.

I think I may just run a heavier weight oil and leave it be. I tend to over engineer and negate the KISS principles for better or worse sometimes. I have had many experienced GM people tell me no to worry about it just run a heavier weight. I would hate to do a tear down and replace everything and has zero results.

What is everyone else's oil PSI at idle at operating temps in 100k + 350 SBs?

Try high mileage oil before higher viscocity. i noticed higher psi at idle in my 2002 express. Heavy oil will starve your valvetrain at startup...

Thanks for the info. I am running 5w30 Mobil 1 High Mileage now. I add a half quart of Lucas Oil Stabilizer and it brought up the PSI a bit.

Try a semi synthetic high mileage oil like valvoline max life. Do you have leaks with the full synthetic on your older engine?