Oil Pressure

[ORB 227 1 Cars]

I know this has been covered before, but, my Mi16 is losing a little oil out of the rocker at the back (easy fix i know but I am lazy)

 

would this effect the oil pressure much?

 

When the engine is at running temp the pressure needle is sitting well low and the light is showing very dim.

 

Whats your thoughts o wise ones?

[Anthony 1,003]

I know this has been covered before, but, my Mi16 is losing a little oil out of the rocker at the back (easy fix i know but I am lazy)

 

would this effect the oil pressure much?

If it's purely out of the back of the rocker cover, it'll have zero effect on oil pressure*, as it's not a pressurised part of the system.

 

* - well, unless it leaks all the oil out, of course

[ORB 227 1 Cars]

Oh tug wipe!

 

 

Where do I start then?

[Anthony 1,003]

An accurate oil pressure gauge would be a good start to confirm whether or not there is even an issue - the standard guage isn't exactly known for accuracy...

[Grim.Badger 15]

An accurate oil pressure gauge would be a good start to confirm whether or not there is even an issue - the standard guage isn't exactly known for accuracy...

 

But if the warning light is on as well.....

 

First point of call is to check that the oil pump isn't clogged, maybe change the spring and piston. Other than that it's a case of checking the big end bearings for wear (which can apparently be done with the engine in); next stop is to get the crank and bearings out and get them checked by a machine shop.

I can't remember if the Mi16 has spray bars but I doubt they would have any effect on pressure anyway. Worn piston rings in my experience cause a pressure rise not fall so I doubt it's them. I also doubt it's anything to do with the head but await correction

[Anthony 1,003]

But if the warning light is on as well.....

Dimly though, which is odd in itself - it's a switch, and should thus really be on or off (although I admit if it's flicking on and off fast enough it can look dim)

[Grim.Badger 15]

Dimly though, which is odd in itself - it's a switch, and should thus really be on or off (although I admit if it's flicking on and off fast enough it can look dim)

 

Fair enough point; perhaps worth re-wiring the sensor and switch then as I've found with new wires the accuracy vastly improves.

[Alteran 1]

As mentioned though, an oil pressure check using a proper gauge should tell you whether it's a mechanical issue or an electrical one. But doesn't it have one sensor for the light and one for the gauge? Like the conventional 1.6/1.9 engine? In which case I highly doubt it'll be both sensors giving an incorrect reading. Unless they share the same earth or live??

 

If it's mechanical then drop the sump, remove the big end and main caps and check the condition of the shells. You might just get away with replacing the shell bearings if the crank looks ok. I've done this on a few cars and it's improved the oil pressure quite considerably. In addition to that, replacing the oil pump complete improves it also.

 

Good luck!

 

Liam.

[Grim.Badger 15]

Yes the guage and warning light are separate, but as Anthony pointed out, it shouldn't be possible for the light to be dim.

Personally I trust the Pug guage once it's had a new wire, maybe I'm thick or ignorant

[Alteran 1]

Yes the guage and warning light are separate, but as Anthony pointed out, it shouldn't be possible for the light to be dim.

Personally I trust the Pug guage once it's had a new wire, maybe I'm thick or ignorant

 

No I agree it shouldn't be glowing! Very odd... Sounds like an electrical problem. But the gauge showing low also? If it was just the light glowing i'd say it was an electrical fault, but with the gauge being low too it'll have to be either both sensors playing up or problems in both wires going to those sensors.. Which I'd be doubtful of. Does the light stop "dimming" if you increase the revs slightly?

 

Like Anthony mentions, rapid on/off of the switch does look like it's glowing. But an oil pressure check with a calibrated gauge should point ORB in the right direction.

 

Liam.

[trialster 0]

sounds like you've got your oil pressure gauge and oil pressure light wires mixed up.

 

does the light change in brightness as you rev the engine?