Possible low oil pressure (Page 1/1)
Lilchief APR 30, 09:45 PM
Ok, I've got a 88 coupe 2.5. The instrument cluster has been changed to a 125 mph type and the gauges are on the top of the center console. When the engine is warm and in gear, the oil light comes on in the gauge. Oil is a little low, less than a 1/2 quart. The other day I bypassed the heater core because it was leaking. So I took it out for a test drive. While going around a curve it died. I had taken my foot off the gas pedal and noticed the oil light came on also. The sad thing is the motor looks brand new. I do have my SD4 to go in later down the road. Still need trans, computer. But still would like to be driving it until swap time. How would you tackle the problem ?
Gall757 APR 30, 10:02 PM
we need some help here...... does the car run? If the motor stops, the light will go on, but with no ill effects.
Lilchief APR 30, 10:39 PM
Yes ,car runs. But even at stop lights when in drive the oil light comes on.
Patrick APR 30, 11:08 PM

quote
Originally posted by Lilchief:

I do have my SD4 to go in later down the road ....would like to be driving it until swap time. How would you tackle the problem ?



If the oil pressure is indeed a bit low, I'd do a oil and filter change, using 20w-50. If it's still low, add a can of STP and call it a day.
fierosound MAY 02, 05:11 PM

quote
Originally posted by Lilchief:

Ok, I've got a 88 coupe 2.5. The instrument cluster has been changed to a 125 mph type and the gauges are on the top of the center console. When the engine is warm and in gear, the oil light comes on in the gauge. Oil is a little low, less than a 1/2 quart. The other day I bypassed the heater core because it was leaking. So I took it out for a test drive. While going around a curve it died. I had taken my foot off the gas pedal and noticed the oil light came on also. The sad thing is the motor looks brand new. I do have my SD4 to go in later down the road. Still need trans, computer. But still would like to be driving it until swap time. How would you tackle the problem ?



Did this suddenly start, or is this a "new car" to you?


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theogre MAY 02, 06:13 PM
Don't to anything until you check OP w/ a mech gauge.
Dash Gauge lie and can't trust when claims low or high OP.

88 l4 has that crap Crank Driven Balancer unit and Oil Pump in part of that.
Low pressure on this engine is Very Bad because Pump and Balancer parts can Fail Completely And likely Very Soon and Destroy the engine.

Balancer can also make noise when the bearings are dying but don't count on whatever noise alone.
IOW If you have Balancer problem causing low OP then can fail in minutes, hours to months and you will need a tow truck at minimum.

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Lilchief MAY 02, 09:38 PM
Car is new to me. The engine was supposed to have been rebuilt. I think somebody did something wrong if they did rebuild it. Or a bad oil pressure sending unit or gauge. Does the 88 still have a fuel cut off switch if there's no oil pressure ? I think I'll try a mechanical gauge before I do much more. But keep the ideas coming. Can never know too much.
theogre MAY 03, 03:29 AM
Fiero and most Don't have any fuel cutoff.
OP sender switch is backup for FPump Relay.

Unless been rebuild by very good company is anyone guess did they rebuild/replace the balancer.