New day, new issue. Oil pressure light on a idle...

mrbieler

Well-known member
Sep 15, 2004
100
32
Lost Angeles
1997 D1

Well after the work to get the truck running and right after my incident with the Tesla Cybertruck, I have a new worry.

On the way home this afternoon, oil pressure warning light coming on at stop lights/signs. Off at RPM.

Engine sounds and feels great. Heads replaced 4 years ago and under 15k miles since then. Going to order a new sensor, but I'd love to add a mechanical gauge in line to see what's actually going on.

Tried to do some searching and I see some adapters folks are making but I wasn't able to find a kit. Does one exist?
 
Last edited:

mrbieler

Well-known member
Sep 15, 2004
100
32
Lost Angeles
I thought I added a preface, but I didn’t. It’s a 97 D1.

I’ve seen folks using adapters/splitters that go into the oem sensor port so you can still use your idiot light but also add pressure gauge
 

Greg_M

Well-known member
Dec 27, 2021
184
79
Vancouver Island
I thought I added a preface, but I didn’t. It’s a 97 D1.

I’ve seen folks using adapters/splitters that go into the oem sensor port so you can still use your idiot light but also add pressure gauge
I was suggesting changing the cover to gain the extra port would be a bolt on solution needing no fabrication.
 
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Rangeroversurfer

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2013
54
18
Alaska
I feel your pain.........changed out the thermostat, and cooling temperature sensor...and lo and behold temp gauge spikes up, then levels out...and then after driving for some time, and i shut it off, does not want to start, has a newer water pump, and new radiator installed last summer. it has been over 100 every day though, but still need to get to the bottom of this...........Land Rover, it's always something, at least it's not my everyday car, does anyone know if the 96 Discovery have the Spider, because I just received the Spider bypass to hopefully correct the hot restart problem, was thinking maybe coil pack or even starter or crank position sensor.........
 
Idiot light sensors use to raise its threshold with age. Original threshold is in order of 5PSI(according electrical handbook). If you change sensor may be you will get solved your trouble.
My D1 is a diesel. In these engines oil presure falls to just 5-6PSI at idle, but rest of time is "full scale", pressure does not fall in any time. So in this case you dont need a gauge because it behaves the same as idiot lamp. This may be your case too. May be you can save work and gauge...
Regards
 
I feel your pain.........changed out the thermostat, and cooling temperature sensor...and lo and behold temp gauge spikes up, then levels out...and then after driving for some time, and i shut it off, does not want to start, has a newer water pump, and new radiator installed last summer. it has been over 100 every day though, but still need to get to the bottom of this...........Land Rover, it's always something, at least it's not my everyday car, does anyone know if the 96 Discovery have the Spider, because I just received the Spider bypass to hopefully correct the hot restart problem, was thinking maybe coil pack or even starter or crank position sensor.........
You may check grounding point between chassis and starter, specially chassis end. To make quieter gauges work you can check A pillar ground multiple connector (next to drivers left ankle). Front chassis nut end from negative battery cable will be good to check, too.
Spider is an alarm companion. If your Disco did have alarm system when new, it should have spider.
Regards
 
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special ed

Well-known member
Apr 11, 2012
207
130
Elsinore
You more than likely will have broken the oil pump. Go ahead and get a pressure reading on it. when tearing down the front cover you will first remove the oil pan. Check that all the cam bearings are in place. You can see them all with the pan off. if so then head to the front cover and check the pump ring. I think PT (if memory serves) might had adaptors to run a pressure gauge as for a kit you can get something through summit racing or a cheapie at a parts store once you have the correct fitting.
 
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mrbieler

Well-known member
Sep 15, 2004
100
32
Lost Angeles
Valvoline 10w40 synthetic with a quart of Lucas added for good measure.

Still flickering and then staying on when I get to idle and about 650rpm. Sensor looks to be leaking so I’m hoping that’s the issue. Will check tomorrow with a gauge.
 

kris812

Well-known member
Jun 11, 2014
405
153
Tucson AZ
Bought a nice car once for 400$ with no oil pressure and an insane cloud of smoke you couldn't see through sitting.

Ended up being a 10$ oil pressure sensor dumping oil on the hot CAT. I've never seen so much smoke!

If its leaking, I would probably start with that and toss a guage on while it's off. Let us know pressures when you find out! Still very possible the ring gear in the oil pump is cracked 😳
 
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lostmonster

New member
Dec 1, 2023
2
0
San Francisco, CA
My 2003 disco 2 has this problem. My mechanic immediately asked “what oil do you use?” And i said “5W-30” and he immediately responded, “thats too thin”

i think all your issue is that your oil is too thin. Research what oil you need - i forgot what rating he recommended specifically.
 

kris812

Well-known member
Jun 11, 2014
405
153
Tucson AZ
My 2003 disco 2 has this problem. My mechanic immediately asked “what oil do you use?” And i said “5W-30” and he immediately responded, “thats too thin”

i think all your issue is that your oil is too thin. Research what oil you need - i forgot what rating he recommended specifically.

YOU NEED to find a new mechanic!!!

Thicker oil to stop a leak, is the same as a doctor telling you to eat candy to stop a nose bleed.
 
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