Oil Pressure Gauge question..

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97DisAstro
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
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Joined: Sat Feb 22, 2014 6:33 am

Oil Pressure Gauge question..

Post by 97DisAstro »

This may have already been covered, and if so, I apologize.

I have been told that the oil pressure gauge on Astro vans is notoriously inaccurate, and I should also update my oil pump to aftermarket. (Gauge fluctuates between 40 and around 60 when I'm stopped, while driving it sits near 60). I have a 97 Astro with the 4.3L. Can someone please clear this up for me? Also recommendations for a good oil pressure gauge/oil pump if that's the case. Thank you!

LiftedAWDAstro
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I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Re: Oil Pressure Gauge question..

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Sounds like you already have a great running oil pump. GM's spec on the 4.3L is something like a minimum of 6 PSI at idle. I wouldn't touch anything.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
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Smiliesafari
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Re: Oil Pressure Gauge question..

Post by Smiliesafari »

It is most likely the gauge. Both oil pressure and gas gauges fluttered in my '96. I bought an instrument cluster from a salvage yard and replaced the gauges in my cluster. Everything is now rock solid.
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle

Topic author
97DisAstro
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Feb 22, 2014 6:33 am

Re: Oil Pressure Gauge question..

Post by 97DisAstro »

Thanks. I wasn't for sure, this is the first Astro I've owned so I didn't know for sure.
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1Gary
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Re: Oil Pressure Gauge question..

Post by 1Gary »

Smiliesafari wrote:It is most likely the gauge. Both oil pressure and gas gauges fluttered in my '96. I bought an instrument cluster from a salvage yard and replaced the gauges in my cluster. Everything is now rock solid.

So now that you have the 305 in there,is it still ok??. :poke: :poke: :yawinkle:
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......


Rochester,NY
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