Engine problem
Discussion
I was driving the other day when the oil warning light flashed on. I then noticed the oil pressure gauge was reading zero. The car was running smoothly, no strange noises, no smoke or problems with the temperature gauge. I stopped immediately and everything appeared normal. Oil level is normal. The car is serviced regularly and has done 7000 miles from new. It is now at the dealer where they are trying to diagnose the problem. The gauges appear to be functioning correctly. So far they have said the oil pressure is low but have been unable to identify a specific problem but they are recommending changing the pressure relief valves, oil pump and filter. Chrysler say that there are no similar problems reported of this type. Does anyone have any ideas or is there someone out there who has had a similar problem who may be able to offer some advice? Thanks!
I lost oil pressure with Bling. Crank bearing No. 4 got starved of oil and both shells melted together (apparently this is the furthest point for oil to travel in the engine) and destroyed the adjacent bearing 3 due to heat, damaged the crank and the camshaft (which runs directly in the block - no bearings) and a few of the piston walls as secondary damage. I think there are some posts on he VCA SRT10 forums about this.
Never truly found the cause but believe it was oil starvation either due to oil pump wear or a piece of sealant from around the inside of the valve covers that got caught in the crank bearing oilways.
I had similar experiences before it started squealing like a frozen water pump - the Engine light (which I later found out doubles as an oil light in Gen1) came on sometimes when cornering or going over bumps. I checked oil filter, oil level and it seemed fine. Even changed the oil but pressure fell to about 5-10 lbs at tick-over and worse when engine was hot.
Hopefully you've picked it up early enough to save serious damage. I ended up putting a new engine in mine.
Some past VCA threads have said that the oil pressure gauges are prone to mis-reading. The dealers ought to be able to put a pukka gauge on to prove this is not the case. Might be the oil presure bypass valve?
Chuck Tator might also be able to offer some advice.
Nigel
Never truly found the cause but believe it was oil starvation either due to oil pump wear or a piece of sealant from around the inside of the valve covers that got caught in the crank bearing oilways.
I had similar experiences before it started squealing like a frozen water pump - the Engine light (which I later found out doubles as an oil light in Gen1) came on sometimes when cornering or going over bumps. I checked oil filter, oil level and it seemed fine. Even changed the oil but pressure fell to about 5-10 lbs at tick-over and worse when engine was hot.
Hopefully you've picked it up early enough to save serious damage. I ended up putting a new engine in mine.
Some past VCA threads have said that the oil pressure gauges are prone to mis-reading. The dealers ought to be able to put a pukka gauge on to prove this is not the case. Might be the oil presure bypass valve?
Chuck Tator might also be able to offer some advice.
Nigel
You could consider a remote oil to the rear of the engine thus supplying the crank and rods from both ends. I've done this to shorter engines and it's a known 'fix'.
Ask the dealer straight if the pressure is low, zero or something else. If you were driving at normal speeds and had low pressure you may be fine or have just shells which need changing.
Boosted.
Ask the dealer straight if the pressure is low, zero or something else. If you were driving at normal speeds and had low pressure you may be fine or have just shells which need changing.
Boosted.
viper paul said:
Thats great news I have tried to call you a couple of times to see how it was going but had no answer, glad its sorted I know the Mildenhall crew look after a lot of 'Off and On Base' US Cars so thanks for the heads up on there expertise.
That is good to know as they are not far from me. Gassing Station | Vipers | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff