Questions and Answers

Chevy K5 Blazer Low Oil Pressure Q. Hey Great web site! I have a 1983 Chevy K5 Blazer with a 350 V-8 small block. I have two questions about it. First, how do I go about adding a relief tank for the radiator? It doesn't have one? Second, when I start it up the oil pressure goes up to the mid range, after it gets warmed up the oil pressure drops and eventually settles at zero.

It's got oil and it doesn't overheat, but it get's pretty close. What should I test and how do I go about testing? I mean, if you say "Check the oil pump", how do I do that? I got a manual, but it just says how to replace stuff, not how to troubleshoot it.

I should mention this is a plow truck, it only gets used once in a while and it gets used hard when it does. Any help would be appreciated.

Matt

A. 1. Oil pressure. You need to remove the sending unit for the oil pressure gauge and install a mechanical gauge on it to make sure that you really have zero oil pressure. If you do it may need a new oil pump, have worn bearings somewhere, lots of things. Without oil pressure, you won't get very far.won't get very far.

As for the surge tank, there needs As for the surge tank, there needs to be a tube coming out of the radiator neck just below the cap to run a hose to the tank. This may mean a new radiator and radiator cap.