Thread: Oil warning light at idle.

Im no expert, but I would suggest a check of the oil pump...

cheers!

First I would put a proper mechanical oil pressure gauge on it.
Most mechanics will have one.
You will most probably find that the sender has died.
Unfortunately the alternatives are pretty major, so do that first.

OK I will admit it. I had an 81 in Saudi with about 200K on it. After a big trip to Turkey the light started coming on at idle. I rebuilt the engine and started her up. The light came on. the bloody sender was the main problem.
Regards Philip A

Thanks for the replies, I rang my parts supplier and a new oil sensor was only $20, so I got that and changed it over.
They suspected the sensor as well.
Very easy to change and first impression seems like the problem may be solved, will check it out properly tonight.
Fingers crossed!
Will keep you posted.
Cheers, Pete.

Originally Posted by PeterH

Thanks for the replies, I rang my parts supplier and a new oil sensor was only $20, so I got that and changed it over.
They suspected the sensor as well.
Very easy to change and first impression seems like the problem may be solved, will check it out properly tonight.
Fingers crossed!
Will keep you posted.
Cheers, Pete.

I would have bought a mechanical (tubed) gauge for $35 and fitted that .... Then you will know what the oil pressure is

Mike

Oil pressure will drop at idle with hot oil, and will drop further as the oil pump and bearings wear, and it is quite easy for this to combine with a bit of drift in the operating pressure of the sensor to have the light come on - and this may not signify any problem at all if the light goes out above an idle - but it points out the trouble with just having a warning light - it is all or nothing.

A pressure gauge is a real advantage in understanding just what is going on. Pressure sensors are not the most reliable bits around - I have known them to fail either never coming on, always on, or the guts fall out and squirt oil everywhere!

John

Many thanks for all your replies, the problem is solved, it was just the sensor.
All good now, no light at all and for a $20 part I'm happy I didn't have do a complete rebuild like PhilipA!
I remember reading some good advice once...always suspect the sensor first.
Cheers, Pete.

Originally Posted by PeterH

Many thanks for all your replies, the problem is solved, it was just the sensor.
All good now, no light at all and for a $20 part I'm happy I didn't have do a complete rebuild like PhilipA!
I remember reading some good advice once...always suspect the sensor first.
Cheers, Pete.

My Rangie is on its third sensor and second releif valve spring. Now at over 300 000. It scares you at 1st . Yours will be fine I'd say.
Tony.