Oil Gauge - Strange action
Discussion
Morning
Starting a couple of days ago I've noticed that on occasion the oil pressure sensor dips down to zero, triggering the oil light, and then immediately recovers up to normal running pressure (70-80).
This happens primarily when braking hard, or when going around a reasonably hard left hand tur, but not right hand turns! Quite bizarre.
Engine seems to be running ok, oil level checked and fine.
Any ideas?
Starting a couple of days ago I've noticed that on occasion the oil pressure sensor dips down to zero, triggering the oil light, and then immediately recovers up to normal running pressure (70-80).
This happens primarily when braking hard, or when going around a reasonably hard left hand tur, but not right hand turns! Quite bizarre.
Engine seems to be running ok, oil level checked and fine.
Any ideas?
As Paul said - if both are operating it indicates a real pressure problem. These engines aren't renowned for oil surge problems when full so I would get it checked ASAP - it could cost you an engine!
ETA: To be sure of a clear oil level reading, warm the car up (assuming you have oil pressure!) and then stop it and take out the dipstick. Let it sit overnight without the dipstick so the tube drains and then dip it. It does sound like low oil level so its probably worth doing this to be certain.
ETA: To be sure of a clear oil level reading, warm the car up (assuming you have oil pressure!) and then stop it and take out the dipstick. Let it sit overnight without the dipstick so the tube drains and then dip it. It does sound like low oil level so its probably worth doing this to be certain.
Edited by Tanguero on Tuesday 31st July 12:53
mickydoo said:
Ok will add significantly more oil and check the level again before doing a very short test drive to be certain.
Take care, as gerrardiuk says you could create another problem!Get the oil hot
Park it on level ground
Remove dipstick and wipe
Wait 5-10 mins
Re-insert and check
This will give you a clear reading.
You
Ok checked as described and yes oil was rather low, just about reading on the dipstick. Must have been some trapped in the dip tube which was giving a false reading when cold.
I don't understand how this has dropped, as it had a full oil change at the last service only about 1 month ago. Only thing that I can think of is that either it wasn't properly filled at the service, or the fact that I've done about 2000 miles since, and quite alot of that at high speed (100-150mph), that I may have been burning oil at a higher rate than normal.
Anyway, topped right up, just over the top mark on the dipstick, and hopefully this should be ok now.
I don't understand how this has dropped, as it had a full oil change at the last service only about 1 month ago. Only thing that I can think of is that either it wasn't properly filled at the service, or the fact that I've done about 2000 miles since, and quite alot of that at high speed (100-150mph), that I may have been burning oil at a higher rate than normal.
Anyway, topped right up, just over the top mark on the dipstick, and hopefully this should be ok now.
I check my oil every week as I only drive the car once a week. If I drive it more frequently then I check the oil more frequently eg every other drive.
As was stated above I use the max line as the target and wont let the oil level even get as low as half way down towards minimum.
I also check the water as frequently as these cars can suddenly develop a leak and you want to reduce the chances of overheating.
As was stated above I use the max line as the target and wont let the oil level even get as low as half way down towards minimum.
I also check the water as frequently as these cars can suddenly develop a leak and you want to reduce the chances of overheating.
mickydoo said:
I don't understand how this has dropped, as it had a full oil change at the last service only about 1 month ago. Only thing that I can think of is that either it wasn't properly filled at the service, or the fact that I've done about 2000 miles since
Before mine was rebuilt it would use 1 litre or more per 1000 miles. I haven't worked out the rate since so can't give a comparison. My old Chimaera always went through 1 litre every 1000 miles.Best thing to do is just check it each time you go out or once a week.
Gazzab said:
I check my oil every week as I only drive the car once a week. If I drive it more frequently then I check the oil more frequently eg every other drive.
Similar for me, once a week, unless I'm doing a journey of 100 miles or more, then I'll follow the owners handbook & check it daily.Edited by RUSSELLM on Thursday 2nd August 08:36
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