When to Replace Your Chevrolet Oil Pump
Aside from essential maintenance at brand and model-advised intervals, if your vehicle is responsibly driven and regularly maintained, it is rare that a Chevrolet oil pump would need replacement. That said, some conditions might influence the premature replacement of the part. The professionals at A.S.A.P. Spares explain why and when you may need to replace a Chevrolet oil pump.
If you live in an extremely hot climate where the vehicle idles for long periods or if you drive the vehicle when cooling assist devices are faulty, like the cooling fan or radiator, for example, you may need to replace the unit more frequently. Whether consciously driving under these conditions or not, one guarantee is certain. If you drive your Chevy with insufficient oil pressure, there will be catastrophic consequences, often leading to many additional car parts being replaced.
What is the Function of a Chevrolet Oil Pump?
Like all internal combustion engines, oil is used as a lubricant in Chevy motors to ease the tremendous friction that occurs between moving parts. These moving parts are aligned to thousands of a millimetre in some instances and need to be sufficiently lubricated to prevent them from causing heat. Excess heat would cause expansion of the individual working parts, resulting in the parts fusing or seizing together.
The oil pump is situated in the sump (or oil collection pan) at the bottom of the engine. Its function is to draw the oil up into the various areas of the engine and disperse the liquid among the moving parts under extreme pressure. The lubricant needs to be of sufficient viscosity to lubricate the fast-moving car parts and be contaminant free. The oil pump needs to provide sufficient pressure to all the engine parts to ensure peak performance. But on occasion, the oil pressure might be insufficient.
3 Indications That Your Oil Pump is Underperforming
There are more advanced ways for the home-maintenance mechanic to diagnose whether a Chevrolet oil pump is malfunctioning. However, for the average Chevy driver, there are a few pointers to look out for.
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Low oil pressure
This is indicated by your oil pressure gauge or the red oil light indicator on your dashboard. It is usually a sign of the oil being burnt off, out of the engine or due to poor maintenance. If left unattended you will feel a noticeable loss in engine performance and stalling may occur.
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Abnormal engine temperature
Abnormal engine temperature is also indicated by a red light or the needle of the gauge on your dashboard. Coolant issues may also be a cause for this but heat causes oil degradation and poor oil quality will add undue wear and tear to the working parts of the oil pump.
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Unusual Engine Noises
If knocking or persistent ticking noises are heard from the engine area, it may be too late to simply replace the oil pump. These vibrations and unusual noises usually indicate that damage has already occurred. It may be accompanied by the yellow engine light on your dash display burning brightly. Once this occurs, be prepared to buy many more car parts for your Chevy.
When and Why Would Your Chevrolet Oil Pump Need Replacement?
Assuming you are maintaining your vehicle at the advised service intervals, and you drive it responsibly, the oil pump should be safe for a minimum of 100 000 to 120 000 km or every five years (whichever comes first). As with the timing belt and a few additional car parts, it would be advised to change the oil pump after this distance has been travelled. These distance and timing interims are dictated by the driver who may travel an average of 20 000 km per year. Should you travel further distances in shorter intervals, you might have to change these car parts more frequently.
Besides normal wear and tear and age of the car parts, the most frequent need for many replacement units is poor preventative maintenance. Failure to conduct advised mileage interval services and not changing the oil filter timeously may also cause premature failure of the part.
Where to Find a Quality Chevrolet Oil Pump
One of our specialities at A.S.A.P. Spares is the supply of quality used Chevrolet OEM spares and brand-approved aftermarket car parts. Whether you have completed the advised replacement mileage for essential car parts like timing belts, oil filters and oil pumps or if irresponsible maintenance has caused premature replacement, consider contacting A.S.A.P Spares for all your Chevrolet car part needs. Our sales and support professionals will ensure that you receive knowledgeable advice and excellent service.
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