Changed intake gaskets on 2008 grand prix 3.8 liter. Ran great and then after engine got warm, he low oil pressure light came on and started ticking. Why?

SOURCE: ticking noise and low oil pressure

DOES IT HAVE A LOT OF MILES ON IT OR MAY BE THE OIL PUMP IS IS GOING OUT? THERE IS A SPRING IN THE PUMP THAT IS A BYPASS FOR HOW HIGH PSI IT MAY HAVE BROKE THAT WILL GIVE YOU LOW PSI.

SOURCE: low oil pressure at idle

how low does the oil pressure drop?? is it below 40?

SOURCE: GM 3.8L engine ticking noise after intake gasket change.

check where the thermostat housing is, there is a plastic cross over to the other side of the intake. The intake cracks right there. Loss of coolant will cause overheating, plus if you look behind the alt. or remove it and start the engine, you will see where it is leaking, that`s if it is leaking to the outside. Most times it does. If that is not the problem, then with a blown head gasket you will have white smoke out the exhaust all the time, and the coolant level will of course go down. If it is the intake gasket, then you will have coolant in the oil, easy to see when you check the oil, creamy brownish colour and of course you will lose coolant and it will overheat also. Most likely since you said `white smoke water coming out around front of intake ticking noise is usually lifter noise. your engine is fine.(to a point) try changing your oil put in a thicker oil to prevent metal to metal contact. go for a 15/40 20/50. let it run for a while(few miles), if it doesn't stop buy an additive called "engine lucas", that will dilute your oil just enough to allow it to lubricate your lifters. also when your oil level drops or your oil becomes dirty your lifters will make that ticking noise.(the one that increases with engine speed)
a blown head gasket 99% of the time will cause your car to smoke either blue or white.

Dave C

• 1050 Answers
• Posted on Apr 02, 2009

SOURCE: 3.1 exhaust and intake push rod placement grand prix

Found on the web:

SOURCE: low oil pressure after engine warms up in 94 blazer with 4.3

I have a 99 blazer and ever since I have owned it, it reads lower in pressure when idling, but will go up too 40 while driving. This is normal for the vehicle. If the pressure gets real low, and stays low, it means its time for an oil change.

As long as the pressure goes up when you give it gas, it is fine.

Testimonial: "But why has it started reading low, especialy after the new oil pump was put on. It read a constant 40 even when idling before."