low oil pressure :(

[Error404]

Got the CQ project car started today after changing the crank oil seal, crank sprocket, belts and alternator. Running nice and smooth, engine sounds very quiet compared to my 20v

BUT......

Its running really low oil pressure - max of 3.5 bar and only just over 1 bar on idle once warm
Not a good sign! Oil and filter are new, no leaks to speak of - need to replace the sump plug washer but thats only producing the odd drip now and again.

Is there any way I can check the oil pressure using a proper gauge not just the VDO?
Is it possible there is a fault with the oil pump or the pressure relief valve? Does one of the relays control it?

[A80Avant]

how old is the oil pump?
mine which is now new,on warm idle it sits a little above 2bar.(could use thinner oil than 10W60)

[Error404]

i assume it has done as many miles as the car, 167k

The head has been rebuilt i think, it is a lot quieter and tighter than my other 7A coupe.
Not sure if the bottom end has been touched TBH.

Oil pump isn't that hard to change on the 7A i don't think, but they cost mega bucks - really hope its not that

[Flat on my back]

Errrrrr......

Could be your oil pressure sensor, this is seperate from your low/high oil pressure switchs which set yout Autocheck system off if there is a fault.

Trying to locate where it is on your block and the Bentlley is not helping much!

Bout size of a cotton reel with 2 electrical connections to it, low down on rhs of the engine looking in from the front.

Says to use special tester, arje!

What about the second car?

[Error404]

Hey Carl,

Well i've got a whole load of sensors coming of Acidburn, so i'll try swapping them - the oil pressure sensor looks a swine to get off though, can't see how you would grip it without resorting to some water pump grips. I assume it unscrews?

I'm getting a low oil level warning on ignition check sequence too, even though the level is at the max

[s2driveruk]

yep could be you have got the terminals on the pressure sender on back to front?

[terrybullwon]

yep could be you have got the terminals on the pressure sender on back to front?

Oh so true...

You can make the oil pressure warning light come on if you reverse them

[LHD_Kid]

yes, but would the gauge still work, I think it still reads something... sounds like its defective rather than connected wrong.....
I hope its connected wrong though, would be a much cheaper and easier fix...!

[Flat on my back]

Sounds like...

careful what you say,

'getting a low oil level warning on ignition check', these are 'pressure' switchs not level indicators. Low one does sound dodgey though, have you flushed the engine yet?

Would get the pressure guage going first, 5 bar at cold, 1.5 bar at warmed up idle.

Can someone tell us what this oil check valve thingy does?

[Error404]

i changed the oil and flter - not used any kind of flush tbh,. heard they do **** all

the gauge works, just reads low and no i've not got the wires the wrong way round!!

The low oil level warning seemed very odd to me, is there a sensor in the sump for that then?

could a dodgy earth somwhere be causing all these syptoms i wonder?

[Flat on my back]

3 sensors...

1. 0.3 bar, 4.4 psi brown, acts like a switch on/off, single wire connection.
2. 1.8 bar, 26 psi white, as above.

Oil check valve located under item 1. (eg inserted before fitting item 1).

3. oil pressure guage (G11). 2 wire connection. Not sure if this changes resistance with temp. Got a spare one and i'll play with it.

No sensor in the sump.

Check connections are clean and fit back on with a firm press.

[Error404]

is the brown on the left of the oilpump housing and the white on the right of the block, next to the rad along with the pressure sender?

[Flat on my back]

All on the same side...

Same side as main rad.

From the top the first one down is the white pressure sensor then brown then temp. sensor.

You'll be wanting a piccy next?

[Error404]

go on then, get your torch

[Flat on my back]

You joking, step outside the house on 'Hallow's eve', not likely.

Tomorrow. If you really get wait that long?