Eek, potential oil pressure problem, advice needed please :)

[_Absinthe_]

Hey guys

The last couple of times I've driven the 420SE, the oil pressure gauge has dropped to zero for a few seconds and then gone back up to normal. Also, when this happened the oil pressure light also came on for a second or two then went off.

Now, the pressure gauge just sits on zero, but the light isn't on, and hasn't come on since the gauge flatlined.

I've cleaned the contacts for the cable on the sender, and Richard@RT Racing thinks it'll just be the sender that's knackered... however, I'm a bit concerned about the pressure light having come on a couple times as well, and am meant to be doing about 450 miles in it this weekend to go see a mate down south. (Richard can't fit it in til next week at the earliest)

So, thoughts & advice very much appreciated.

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

The senders fail quite a lot,
What was the state of the engine when the light came on, hot tickover can some times cause the light to flicker, esp if running a thinner oil.
Also what is your idle RPM

[_Absinthe_]

TVRleigh_BBWR said:

The senders fail quite a lot,
What was the state of the engine when the light came on, hot tickover can some times cause the light to flicker, esp if running a thinner oil.
Also what is your idle RPM

I'm using Mobil 1 fully synth 15/50, the hot idle is typically around 700, altho can dip to 400 and nearly stall, or sit at 1000 occasionally too! I'm pretty certain the engine was hot when the light came on, altho at least once when it did come on, I was moving, not sat idling.

• edit* But I've been out in it for about 1-1.5hrs today and the light never came on (the pressure gauge never budged tho).

Edited by _Absinthe_ on Monday 14th June 15:37

[wedgienauld]

Well, perhaps as you've been advised by RT and I gather from a previous post, they know the car - its likely to be the senders for your oil pressure gauge and or oil light. You are using a good oil and its all topped up to the correct level and the oil filter is of the correct type, then I think I'd be happy to run around in it until you can get the suspected problem parts replaced. Might actually be the gauge itself. Anyhow - nice to see you using the beast.

[Number 7]

_Absinthe_ said:

I'm using Mobil 1 fully synth 15/50, the hot idle is typically around 700, altho can dip to 400 and nearly stall, or sit at 1000 occasionally too!

Aside from anything else, I would suggest upping the idle speed to 1K - it helps circulate the oil and coolant a bit better. Plus when you switch on big loads or the fans kick in, the engine won't feel like stalling.

7.

[350zwelgje]

Number 7 said:

_Absinthe_ said:

I'm using Mobil 1 fully synth 15/50, the hot idle is typically around 700, altho can dip to 400 and nearly stall, or sit at 1000 occasionally too!

Aside from anything else, I would suggest upping the idle speed to 1K - it helps circulate the oil and coolant a bit better. Plus when you switch on big loads or the fans kick in, the engine won't feel like stalling.

7.

+1
And with a 50-rating oil it should be fine when hot.

If with raised idle you still have issues (and the pressure gauge not fixed) then would at least have a look at the oil pressure relief valve. These wear, can stick, etc. The spring goes weak on them as well. Easy to change and inexpensive, but the oil has to come out and the oil pump to be primed.

Rob

[adam quantrill]

Prime the pump? Easy... ;^)