What is the High Pressure Safety Valve all about?

The high pressure safety valve, or oil relief valve, is located near the oil pump. When the oil is thick and cold, the oil pressure forces down the valves against the spring tension, allowing the oil to go to the engine bearings. Then, it returns it to the crankcase. The oil pressure valve makes sure that the oil pressure is consistent at all the bearings, regardless of the speed of the engine. At high engine speed, the excess oil escapes so that power isn’t lost by the driving the oil pump.

Keep in mind:

• If the oil pressure safety valve is faulty, surplus oil can be delivered to the working parts of the engine and cause damage.
• Excessive oil pressure can make it hard for the engine to drive the oil pump.

How it's done:

• The vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands. The oil pan is removed to access the oil pump safety valve on the pump.
• The retainer clip is removed from the oil pump and the defective oil pump high pressure safety valve is pulled out.
• The new valve is installed and secured. The oil pan is reinstalled with new gaskets. A new filter is installed and oil refilled.
• All removed components are reinstalled. The vehicle is removed from jack stands
• The vehicle is started and checked for oil leaks and proper oil pump operation.

Our recommendation:

If you suspect any damage at all to the high pressure safety valve, you should get it checked immediately. One of our expert mechanics can help you diagnose the problem and determine if a replacement is warranted.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the High Pressure Safety Valve?

• Sudden drop in oil pressure
• Oil light comes on
• General poor performance

How important is this service?

If the high pressure safety valves fail, that could result in a leaking or cracked oil cooler. If that happens, the oil pressure valves will have to be removed and examined, and that could be a very expensive procedure. If a valve ends up being stuck, excessive oil pressure can result, and there could be serious damage to the engine. Work with one of our expert mechanics if you discover any of the symptoms we have described above.