Low Oil Pressure Warning?

[erock]

OK, I'll start out by saying I know what low oil pressure is. That out of the way I was wondering when after checking my oil level (lucky enough with 178K that the Rover doesn't burn any) and finding it full, I was still sometimes seeing the low oil pressure light flickering from time to time, mostly when at idle.

I can speculate that my oil pump is going bad, but as Land Rover decided to just give us a light instead of an actual gauge, I'm not sure just how much pressure I'm down. Is there a way for me to test this or should I just bite the bullit and bring it on down to the service center and get it checked out?

Also, if it is a bad pump, can it be replaced fairly easy?

Hope I can get some help, getting the itch to go camping and the Civic doesn't make quite as good of a camping vehicle.

Eric Rud
'98' Disco

 

[Andrew Homan]

You can get a gauge and line put it in place of the oil sender and read your pressure. if its good then sender could be going.

If not sounds like oil pump. not to bad to do. have to take the front cover of the engine.

 

[RoverChic]

Maybe a clogged pick up tube?

 

[ptschram]

Maybe a clogged pick up tube?

Maybe worn main/rod bearings?

 

[MUSKYMAN]

with a 178K I would say its a combination of bearing clearences have enlarged as has the clearence in the oil pump.

this equals less oil pressure.

rule of thumb is you need 10 psi for every 1000rpm the engine is turning

at idle of 600 rpm you then only need 6psi to maintain and prevent bearing scoring.

the idiot light knows not what rpm the engine is running so when you drop below its preset switch point the light comes on.

in other words ...if it only comes on at idle you should be fine

MM

 

[ptschram]

in other words ...if it only comes on at idle you should be fine

MM

For the time being

 

[erock]

Thanks for all the replies. Main bearing thing sounds about right. Been sounding kinda loose for about 40K now. Still have good compression, checked, and no buring oil, but maybe time for a rebuild. Will talk to my engine man. Builds race car engines among other things. Does rebuilds at reasonable prices.

That being said, does anyone know of a place to get aftermarket Rover parts; i.e. bearings, rings, etc. so I don't have to buy the ungodly expensive stock parts?

Thanks again,
Eric Rud
'98' Discovery

 

[ptschram]

Thanks for all the replies. Main bearing thing sounds about right. Been sounding kinda loose for about 40K now. Still have good compression, checked, and no buring oil, but maybe time for a rebuild. Will talk to my engine man. Builds race car engines among other things. Does rebuilds at reasonable prices.

That being said, does anyone know of a place to get aftermarket Rover parts; i.e. bearings, rings, etc. so I don't have to buy the ungodly expensive stock parts?

Thanks again,
Eric Rud
'98' Discovery

Gee, you think maybe you ought to put an oil pressure gauge on that truck before undertaking something like an engine rebuild?

somebody famous once said "You cannot know without measurements" (or something to that effect-it was Richard Thompson, Lord Kelvin)

 

[erock]

Oh I'll check the oil pressure before tearing the motor down for sure, but how do I tell if it's the sensor, bearings, or pump if I find out the oil pressure is too low? I also replaced the pick up tube about 4 months ago, so I know that's not it.

Anyhoo.....just used to it being the worst of all scenarios with the Rover. Since the low oil pressure light has been comming on, I've also noticed a bad idle. Sometimes bad enough to stall. What is the standard idle RPM if anyone knows?

Wish me luck, it goes in tomorrow.

Eric Rud
'98' Disco

 

[ptschram]

Eric:
The pressure gauge will at least let you know for a fact that your oil pressure is low and how low it is.

At this point, I'd suggest replacing the pump and seeing if that does the trick. If not, then go all the way. Also, it might be cheaper to look for a new short block, rather than have yours rebuilt.

 

[geoff]

First I would drop the pan and check the screen on the pickup. My guess is your bearings have had it though.

On my '93 RRC, the bearings were visibly worn out at about 100K when I checked them, probably from the PO using the wrong weight oil and not changing the oil enough. (There was a lot of sludge in the motor too). I was able to change the rod (easy) and most of the main bearings (hard) lying on my back under the car. Drove it another 40K miles before selling and it ran great.