i have a 95 chevy 4.3L vortech engine with 174,000 miles. i replaced the oil sending unit because i was getting a lowe reading on my oil pressure gauge. 0psi at idle and 25psi at anything above 1,000 RPM when the truck is warmed up. i am ordering main bearings and rod bearings and an oil pump. i am hoping this is the issue. i have decided to put 150 bucks into the bottom end rather than replace the whole engine. is this a good idea and does anyone know of any oil pressure issues that are known to happen to the 4.3? my engine is bone stock if that helps.
thanks,
Tom

 

Never had an issue with my stepdads '95 V6. He sold it with 225,000 miles. ANd it had a lot to go. I wouldn't be against droppign 150 into the bottom end. But on the other hand, in about 100-125,000 miles you'll prolly need a rebuild.

 

Was the engine knocking at all? If so it probably will not last long at all. Once they are knocking the rods become egg shaped. If it was not you should get some plastic gauge and check the bearing clearances you may need to use a over sized bearings.

 

it wasnt knocking like that, just lifter noise. thanks tho!

 

There are issues with the stepper motors in the dash oil pressure gauges. I'd check the pressure manually with a good old tube gauge.

On the 95-98 model S-series, the noise can be mistaken for lifters when it is actually is a throttle cable vibration.
If you have lifter noise on cold start, its not all too unusual on vortec engines, but it will go away after a mile or so of driving.

 

well, i didnt wanna leave you fellas hangin without an outcome of my problem. i pulled the oil pan off and replaced the bearings. they were all scored. the crankshaft too. i replaced the oil pump and i get exactly what i had before. also part of the noise is a loos timing chain. for now i will run it through the summer, and in the meantime get my 85 k20 rolling so i can put my 1500 on hold and rebuild the motor. thanks again guys! i frickin love this site.

 

sounds like the cam bearings r prolly messed up too...