SureTrack Real Fix: No Oil Pressure

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Real Fixes from the SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair records and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Technicians hate it when a new problem pops up right after they fix something simple. You run around in circles checking your work when that probably wasn’t the cause. SureTrack community member seanallen had a Subaru Forester in their shop that came in for an oil leak and after repairing that they had no oil pressure. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Richard_C and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2011 Subaru Forester X 2.5L

Title
No oil pressure, cleared clogged pickup.

Complaint
Low or no oil pressure.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Car came in for oil leak. Found that timing cover was leaking. Removed and resealed including new o-rings. When we started the car and it idled normally, the oil pressure light came on and engine started knocking. Removed timing cover again to double check o-rings and they were all in place and in one piece. Started the car again and same issue. As recommended in the discussion, we changed the oil and added oil treatment. No change in issue. Is there a good way to bleed he oil pump without removing the timing cover?

Best Answer from Community Member Richard_C
You’ve got to think back about the timing cover job and what was removed. Looking at a pump picture, there is a flange (probably a feed) and then hose on the other side going in and out of the oil pump. Did any of that get removed? This is a pick up tube seal also. I’ve never had to prime a pump except on a brand new engine build and that was more for safety during its first start up. My gut feeling is that there is an issue getting oil to the pump versus a bleed issue. Revisit the job.

Cause
Pulled the oil pan and found debris in pickup tube.

Correction
Cleared debris from oil pump pickup tube and reinstalled. Installed oil pan and put in fresh oil. Engine now has proper oil pressure and light did not come on again.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.