99' Tahoe Oil Pressure and Steering Problem

Hi all hope someone has some solid advice.

Two weeks ago i noticed my engine temperature was pushing 220° and that my oil pressure was only at 20 while idling. When I accelerated the oil pressure only went up to 40, which is where it should be normally when idling. What could be causing this? Oil pump?

Secondly, for the past several months my steering feels like air in the lines. When driving straight there are no problems, but as I turn to the right or left it will remain normal then suddenly get real loose sometimes to the point where it causes me to over steer. Could this be the power steering pump?

I am not the mechanic I wish I could be, so any help and advice would be greatly appreciated. :banghead:

I would have the cooling system operation checked..quite possibly there is nothing wrong, just the gage is off....having the system operation checked will pinpoint the problem.
Same goes for the oil pressure...check the pressure with a mechanical gage first.
Have you checked coolant and oil levels? Have you needed to add coolant and haven't seen a leak?
On the steering concern, most likely senerio is the steering wheel position sensor is bad commanding different assist rates than are desired.

I have check the levels of the coolant and the oil and they are all within range. As far as having leaks, I have had some small drips but they are not frequent. For example, sometimes when I drive to work, at lunch, I will notice some small drops, but its not oil, it looks more like trans or power steering fluid and it comes down somewhere from the top rear of the motor and travels down the side of the transmission housing. No oil leaks that I have seen. When I drive home I put a piece of cardboard underneath to get a better idea of what fluid could be dripping but to no avail theres nothing there in the morning. :screwy:

As for the steering, my Tahoe has a 6" lift would that help further explain why the steering occasionally slips. I also check the power steering fluid level and it is also ok. If it is the sensor, is it easy to replace?

Thanks for your help GM :smile:

So I take it, it is not normal for oil pressure to fluctuate? I have a 99 Tahoe myself and my oil pressure changes depepnding on the following conditions:

1) On startup(cold) the oil pressure is around 60.

2) After the truck has warmed up its usually around 25 at idle and around 45 at normal driving.

Is this not normal? If not, what would be the problem?

So I take it, it is not normal for oil pressure to fluctuate? I have a 99 Tahoe myself and my oil pressure changes depepnding on the following conditions:

1) On startup(cold) the oil pressure is around 60.

2) After the truck has warmed up its usually around 25 at idle and around 45 at normal driving.

Is this not normal? If not, what would be the problem?



I have a '9 as well with the same oil pressure fluctuation. i have changed oil regularly, even toyed with the super oils (synthetic etc...) even the old "slick 50 " and the oil reacts the same as your message. I am a semi truck mechanic and my alert to this is not that troublesome. Perhaps GM Merlin can shed more light?

Sorry for the confusion...according to how I read Clancy's post, his O/P used to be 40 at idle now it is only 20...I recommended that he check it with a manual gage to verify the system is operating properly. 20 psi oil pressure on a SBC engine is excellent and I would not consider that a problem....but if I noticed a 20psi drop in oil pressure on the gage, that would give me some concern.
Oil pressure will fluctuate according to temperature and engine speed.

1) On startup(cold) the oil pressure is around 60.

2) After the truck has warmed up its usually around 25 at idle and around 45 at normal driving.
Normal operation

Just wanted to follow up with the problems I had and what I found to be the root causes.

First with the oil pressure problem: I rechecked all my fluids and all were fine with the exception of my coolant. Being that GM requires the use of Dexcool (which is redish in color), I mistook the fluid as power steering fluid but to further conclude it was Dexcool leaking from my intake. After replacing the intake gasket I no longer have an oil pressure problem nor the confusion that my power steering was leaking. Intake gasket went for around $40.00 but the time is very involved to do it yourself.

Secondly, the steering problem: Since discovering that I didnt have a power steering leak I investigated further why my steering would slip. I check the belt, which turned out fine. I asked a (chevy owner) friend and he had the same problem and recommended replacing the EVO sensor. Sure enough the problem was solved. It too was a bear to get to but simple enough to replace yourself.

I hope this helps anyone having similar problems.

New to the forum but wanted to say I just bought a 97' and have the same reading with the oil pressure. At idle it's about 20 and driving it's about 60. Glad to hear it's not a problem. I've only been checking this forum out for a few days but have learned a ton. Drive safe.

Oil pressure fluctuation sounds within specs. If you want you can have a 'real' oil pressure gage installed and then become cool like me.

Now if you wanna be really cool you will change the Dexcool every 2 years or 36,000 miles. When it starts getting old it starts eating gaskets, aluminum, hot dogs. Do you wanna change another intake gasket? You might also want to switch out the OE 197 degrees thermostat for a mid range one. 170-180. OBD2 will adjust. You will get better mpg and have more power. Be cool.