37 replies to this topic

[1995 MK2 IOM]

my oil light came on... so I put some oil in... and its still on? even though I know it now has oil in it...

Any ideas?

Thanks

J

[AzMaN]

my oil light came on... so I put some oil in... and its still on? even though I know it now has oil in it...

Any ideas?

Thanks

J

thats not an oil level warning, its oil pressue.

i adivse not to drive it till you cure the fault, you could be doing major damage to the car.

assuming its the orange light thats come on, being the oil pressure light, i would recomend finding someone with a pressure gauge you can fit, or even buy one. I find these are vital bits of kit to be installed in the car, this will tell you if there is no pressure, low, or fine and the sensor is nackered.

it could be a few faults causing the light to come on, it could be the sensor is faulty (cheap), the pressure relief valve is stuck (cheap), your oil pump has died (cheap but pain to change), or your bearings are very worn and are dropping the pressure (engine rebuild).

if you have a haynes manual i would look at checking the pressure relief valve, its a quick job and might cure the fault, next would be sensor, and then into the engine components.

(edited because i use the red light for oil pressure and orange for alt)

Edited by AzMaN, 27 December 2010 - 09:24 PM.

[bamby]

check the levels on the dip stick add more oil if needed.

Is the car sitting level? - try parking it on a level surface and see if this helps.

take the wire off the oil pressure switch and then reconnect, ensuring the connections are clean - see if this helps.

it should be the orange light that is illuminated for the oil pressure . - might be worth changing the switch and see if the problem persists

[Carlzilla]

Definately the orange light for oil pressure. Try changing the switch, failing that you have a problem somewhere down the line, could be the pressure relief valve possibly

[Kerrin]

Jason.

Are you still over in England or back on the IOM.

If it is definately the orange light hopefully the switch has failed, if it's the engine itself then that is a worry.

K

[trouble]

Bit of a worrying thread this.
It now has oil in? How low was it before?

[Cooperman]

The oil level is largely unimportant in terms of the 'orange' light which is an indication of low oil pressure. If the car is sitting more-or-less level the pick-up pipe in the sump will be fully immersed and thus will suck oil into the pump so long as there are around 3 pints of oil in the sump. One can't imagine it being that low.
The orange light comes on at around 7 psi.
In this case it could be a faulty switch or warning light wiring, but it is not safe to run the engine further to test this as if the engine actually has no pressure you will risk further damage to the crankshaft and possibly the bores.
You can test the wiring by ensuring that there is power to the switch when the ignition is on, You can only test the switch by putting it onto another Mini with known good oil pressure.
If it has been run for any length of time with no pressure you will need a new set of main and big-end bearings and new crank thrust bearings. A new oil pump will be needed. If the crank has been scored and thus damaged it will need a re-grind. The bores should be OK, although piston rings and bores will need checking.
None of this is 'rocket science', just a bit of work. If done yourself it need not be too expensive either.
Don't run the engine further until the switch and circuit has been tested.

[1995 MK2 IOM]

Hi all.

Thanks for your replies.

Kerrin - I am still on the Island till the 2nd...

I left my haynes manual in England - so cant get that till next week...

the light is not the normal red light that comes on when I first start - (key in position 2) but it is in the same place - it is a kinda like a duller red - I guess that is what you are calling the orange light?

I checked my oil about 2 weeks ago and it was ok, but yesterday the oil seemed low so I topped it up, I had driven it less than a mile or so and then returned home to put more oil in... the light stayed on even with the new oil in it... but then went off... but then came on half way home again... :s

Thanks again

Jason

[1995 MK2 IOM]

I have driven about 15 miles with the light on - just getting home... wish I hadn't now....

Jason

[Carlzilla]

Erm, which light is actually on the dash, youve confused me now, is on the left or right hand side of the centre clock?

Red charging system light is bottom left, oil warning (orange) light is bottom right.


and if it is as youre saying, the RED light, and its dim, it suggests to me that either your drive belt is loose or slipping

Edited by Carlzilla, 28 December 2010 - 10:43 AM.

[1995 MK2 IOM]

bottom right... I will go and take a picture now...

J

[Carlzilla]

Ahh, that would be oil :|

[1995 MK2 IOM]

yeah its definitely the oil one...

bit of a fail with my camera though... left my memory card in england as well! doh!

but yeah its definitely the right hand one...

J

[Carlzilla]

Id check the pressure relief valve to be honest, may be sticking
but it could be a good many of other things including gaskets and rubber o ring on the pickup pipe, check and clean out the pressure relief valve first, may be crud in there from the oil, and the switch. if that doesnt cure it then im almost sure its an engine apart job

[AzMaN]

Id check the pressure relief valve to be honest, may be sticking
but it could be a good many of other things including gaskets and rubber o ring on the pickup pipe, check and clean out the pressure relief valve first, may be crud in there from the oil, and the switch. if that doesnt cure it then im almost sure its an engine apart job

if its coming on when the engine is warm, so oil is at its thinest, i would say first check the releif valve like above, but it sounds alot like worn bearings.