Guest Crowley Posted March 8, 2006 I've just got my first GTi, infact it's my first petrol in years . At the moment one of it's problems is the oil pressure guage, the needle of which normally sits right at the bottom. I guess it's an electrical fault as the oil temperature stays fairly reasonable (just after the first mark once it's warm). I also have an oil leak somewhere, so I'm not sure if it's the system failing to pressurise instead. Looks like I'll have to strip off all the pipes and check the wiring anyway, but has anyone any clues as to which it could be Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackherer 543 Posted March 8, 2006 Does the oil pressure warning light work? (it should be on when the ignition is on but engine stopped and go out as soon as the engine fires up). It uses a seperate sender to the gauge so if it works correctly you can assume the oil pressure is OK and the gauge and/or its sender is at fault. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ALEX 98 1 Cars Posted March 8, 2006 The wire usually snaps at the sender unit. You can just get to it from underneath at the front of the engine. There are two small cylindrical units screwed to the engine block just above the oil filter (or oil filter pipework if you have a remote oil cooler). The fat cylinder is the pressure guage the thin smaller one is the pressure switch. Replace the spade connections with a new ones. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crowley Posted March 8, 2006 The warning light does work and when the oil is low the STOP sign comes on, as does the oil temperature warning light (I originally tried fully synthetic which may as well have drained straight out of the engine). The guage sometimes works but seems to be getting worse. I'll have a look at the connector tonight. Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ALEX 98 1 Cars Posted March 9, 2006 Sounds like there is nothing wrong with you gauges as they are both telling you that your oil pressure is low. the pressure needle needs to move to at least half way at around 4000 rpm. If not try a different oil. chances are the bottom end is on its last legs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crowley Posted March 9, 2006 Sounds like there is nothing wrong with you gauges as they are both telling you that your oil pressure is low.the pressure needle needs to move to at least half way at around 4000 rpm. If not try a different oil. chances are the bottom end is on its last legs. When I top up the oil all the lights go out and the needle sits around half way when the guage decides to work. Not that I run it with any lights shining at me, I've done that before on a diesel and it didn't last long I'm fairly sure that there is a small leak in one of the pipes but haven't got around to checking. If it is the bottom end would there be other symptoms? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob_the_Sparky 9 Posted March 9, 2006 Deep rumble is usually associated with worn bottem end. If it is a 100k+ mile car with an original engine then it would not be unexpected if it were a bit worn but that doesn't necessarily mean replacement work yet (tis somewhat expensive). Rob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ALEX 98 1 Cars Posted March 9, 2006 Sorry I got confussed I was thinking that the light was coming on due to low oil pressure but you said Low oil level. If the light doesn't come on (unless it's running out of oil) then the oil pressure is nothing to worry about as these gauges vary from car to car. Sounds like your problem is just an oil leak. (it could be burning a bit too, look for blue smoke, worse at start up) I find jet washing underneath and around the engine bay is the easiest way to find an oil leak. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crowley Posted March 9, 2006 Deep rumble is usually associated with worn bottem end. If it is a 100k+ mile car with an original engine then it would not be unexpected if it were a bit worn but that doesn't necessarily mean replacement work yet (tis somewhat expensive). Rob The only unexpected noises I've heard in the month I've had it come from the front passenger caliper, the cracked exhaust manifold and the cambelt when the tensioner collapsed. So a fairly eventful first month, just as well I didn't pay much for it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ronnie_gti 0 Posted March 9, 2006 (edited) i had an oil leak on my old engine b4 i replaced (blew due to lack of oil) the oil pipes that go on the front of the engine are prone to splitting apprently. so i put all new ones on my new engine Edited March 9, 2006 by ronnie_gti Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ALEX 98 1 Cars Posted March 13, 2006 (edited) I find the sump gasket & spacer plate to bolck is the most common cause of an oil leak. I had my oil filter come loose too once. Edited March 13, 2006 by ALEX Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
