Chevy & GMC Vans

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!

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.

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.

Thanks. I wasn't for sure, this is the first Astro I've owned so I didn't know for sure.

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??.