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paulhide · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 11:09 pm Post subject: Oil Sensor

How bad is it that my oil sensor light is coming on when engine idling even though there is plenty of oil. Could there be a problem with the oil pump?
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Bellamachinna · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:54 am Post subject:

:DHi...
Bad news Sad

...The light itself warns for low oil pressure, so its time to get the oil pump checked... Sad

Guest · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 2:37 am Post subject: Re: Oil Sensor

Bellamachinna · Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 6:58 pm Post subject:

ChrisC · Alfa Sprint Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 152 Location: Frome

Dont forget the italian electrics factor. The oil pressure gauge in my sprint and the oil pressure warning light in my x1/9 were both dead when I got them. A bit of cleaning up the earths and they both came back to life.

If after cleaning up connections the oil pressure warning light still comes on at hot idle, or at all, it is indicative of either low oil level, or more likely, a worn engine. To be fair, the latter situation isnt actually desperately serious / urgent to fix. A sudden drop in oil pressure is a far more serious situation than wear and tear.
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paulhide · Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 7:09 pm Post subject:

Engine was rebuilt supposedly 16,000 miles ago. Even though oil near top of dipstick-max added a bit extra and it seems fine at the moment. I had originally just given it a thrashing and the engine does seem to run a bit hot, using the fan rather a lot.
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Harri · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:03 am Post subject:

On my 1989 164 V6, the light used to flash every now and then regardless of engine rpm. The gauge still showed good pressure so I was not worried. Changing the sensor fixed it and it was only a few euros. However, if the light flashes only at idle when the pressure is lower than at speed, I would be worried and not drive the car at all before checking the oil pressure with a pressure gauge! Oil pump problems do happen.
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1990 33 16V QV
1993 164 QV 24V
1989 164 3.0 V6
2003 156 JTS Selespeed SW

Eddie W · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:26 am Post subject:

The definitive answer is to fit an oil guage. Low pressure at idle is not necessarily serious if the pressure at revs is adequate But it certainly is worth monitoring.
Regards Eddie
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paulhide · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 2:11 pm Post subject:

Okay so how do I fit an oil gauge and what kind of pressures should the engine run at? Question

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ChrisC · Alfa Sprint Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 152 Location: Frome

Have you tried cleaning the electrical connections yet?
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Silver Lancia Beta HPE Volumex - under restoration

paulhide · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 3:57 pm Post subject:

No not yet, but will do. Thanks for your comments and good luck with your car.
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Edward · Alfa 33 Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 307 Location: Bristol

Paul,

I am just fitting an oil gauge to mine. I bought it from Raceparts UK who supply Racetech gauges - which are very good and accurate and light up well at night. Saying that they sent me the wrong connector to connect it into the oil lines that go to the cooler on the track car. So I think for a while until I get the correct connector off them I will put it into the oil pressure port just above the oil filter. This means I think that I will have no light on the gauge for the low pressure for a while but mine runs good pressure anyway so this is not a particular problem for me. One I have all the right bits I will swap them around again. I am also installng a oil temperature gauge for good measure so that I can keep things in check.

I am going to fit the gauge over the weekend - so I will let you know. The Racetech gauges - which are a good motorsport quality are about £40 & VAT & post, but once you have it you can move it from car to car. The oil pressure on mine is about 80 psi when the engine is running at normal speed, but I think somewhere around 50 psi is not unusual. Once I have it fitted I will let you know.
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Matt Stolton · Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 8:32 am Post subject: Oil pressure take off point

There is a (M14?) bolt at the top centre rear of the engine (below the dizzy) which is a nice spot for oil pressure sensor to sit. I have got my oil pressure there, and an oil temp in a 't' peice with the alfa oil low pressure sensor, by the filter. Works for me....
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Regards

Matt

Ex Alfa 33 'GTA' (P4 with Knobs On)
Now cruising in a 166 3.2 Ti!!