Low/zero oil pressure reading

[Stats2909]

Hi guys, hope the rain isn't dampening too many spirits, summer can't be all that far away can it??

My oil pressure mysteriously starting showing as extremely high recently, even when the engine was well and truely warm the needle has been up near the top of the scale. Today for some equally mysterious reason the pressure is show as zero without any flicker of life in the gauge. When the ignition is turned on to start there isn't the tell tale 'twitch' of the needle as it primes.

Has anyone else experienced this or have any ideas as to the likely cause / location of a problem? I'm suspecting electrics somewhere. The radio (the original Pioneer) appears to be playing up too, although powered and the rear indicator (right) circuit seems a bit temperamental, coincidence?

Why do these things always happpen just before an MOT!!

As always any help is greatfully received :bow:, thanks Matt

[GreenV8S]

Sounds like a dodgy sender?

[Stats2909]

Was suspecting the same, does anyone know a good source for one and what part it is? Is it a standard ford part?

My particular flavour is a 91 S3

[mycroft]

I think there is three different types.
Tower view are OK , you could give them a ring they might be able to ID it from your discription.

[Stats2909]

three different types, now why doesn't that surprise me

Will have to investigate the sender unit when I get home tonight, in the mean time will have a little fiddle and clean up....

.... that is if anyone can help me locate the little blighter, I stupidly left the bible at home

Thanks everyone

[Pies]

TBH i wouldn't be driving the car until you either replace the sender or are certain you have oil pressure

AIMHO

[Le TVR]

Quick check:

Can you measure a voltage at the sensor terminal?
If yes, disconnect wire from sensor and measure the resistance between the terminal and ground. (IIRC should be less that 500 ohm)

No voltage - check gauge and wiring
No resistance - check sensor
Volts + resistance OK - check engine

[Stats2909]

Thanks one and all, the cars safely parked up and is not going to be going anywhere until I have sorted this out. I had a look in the Bible last night but can't seem to find the location of the sender itself.

Can anyone help me out?

Thanks, will let you know how i get on

Matt

[pringli]

from n/s front wheel its (on engine block) between top and bottom chassis rails under front of manifold - I will say that I experienced the permanent high reading (20psi with only the ign on) and found that the gauge itself was the problem - check voltage as per previous posting - new gauge came from tvr via hexham h.c parts so assume tvr carparts should be able to help -

[Stats2909]

Thanks for all your help, Now I've located the relavent part and have the possibility of some time I'll be able to tackle the problem and hopefully get back on the road for some chilly roof down sunny driving

[heyiga]

pringli said:

from n/s front wheel its (on engine block) between top and bottom chassis rails under front of manifold - I will say that I experienced the permanent high reading (20psi with only the ign on) and found that the gauge itself was the problem - check voltage as per previous posting - new gauge came from tvr via hexham h.c parts so assume tvr carparts should be able to help -

I have to say that I agree here! My friend with an S1 had exactly the same problem, changed the sender with no effect, so bought a new gauge from TVR car parts, sorted the problem straight away.

Typical TVR, if in doubt, change everything!