like the title says... how do you tell if an oil pump is bad?

 

The first thing I'd do is change the oil and filter, and then check your oil pressure with a mechanical gauge. If the gauge reads low, I'd remove the oil pump. There are clearance specs you can check with feeler gauges.

 

What makes you think it's bad?

 

Sometimes the oil light will come on the dash.

 

Have you checked the oil level?

 

where would i put the oil pressure gauge? what readings should i aim for on the gauge? do i check it while the car is running/idling? do i rev it to a certain rpm? sorry never done it before. if someone could explain the procedures. engine is a '95 GSR. Oil is still pretty new... still has a bronze film to it. hitting rev limiter at 7k. engine doesn't like reving from 5k RPM and up...gets very sluggish even it first gear.

 

Well for one if you suspect the oil pump is bad I wouldnt rev the engine at all. That is your lifeline lol

 

 

yes just did oil change a few weeks ago and the oil level is fine. no leaks.

 

You would temporarily remove the oil pressure sending unit and install the gauge in it's place.