GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cause

Correction

Low oil pressure

    • Perform an oil pressure test. Refer to Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing .
    • Repair or replace as required.

Loose and/or worn follower (valve rocker arm)

    • Inspect the follower (valve rocker arm).
    • Repair or replace as required.

Improper lubrication to the followers (valve rocker arms)

Inspect the following components, and repair or replace as required:

    • The follower (valve rocker arm)
    • The SHLA (valve lifter)
    • The oil filter bypass valve
    • The oil pump and pump screen
    • The cylinder head oil galleries
    • The engine block oil galleries

Broken valve spring

Replace the valve spring.

Worn or dirty SHLAs (valve lifters)

Replace the SHLAs (valve lifters).

Stretched or broken timing chain(s) and/or damaged sprocket teeth

Replace the timing chain(s) and sprockets.

Worn timing chain tensioner(s)

Replace the timing chain tensioner(s) as required.

Worn timing chain shoe(s)

Replace the timing chain shoe(s) as required.

Worn timing chain guide(s)

Replace the timing chain guide(s) as required.

Worn engine camshaft lobes

    • Inspect the engine camshaft lobes.
    • Replace the camshaft(s) and SHLAs (valve lifters) as required.

Worn valve guides or valve stems

Inspect the following components, and repair as required:

    • The valves
    • The valve guides

Stuck Valves

(Carbon on the valve stem or valve seat may cause the valve to stay open)

Inspect the following components, and repair as required:

    • The valves
    • The valve guides