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Posted on Nov 16, 2012
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My oil pressure light is on?

I just changed my oil after noticing that it was time and that i was very low on oil. prior to this my oil pressure gauge came on and i thought it was do to my low oil issue but when i changed the oil it didn't fix the pressure gauge so now I don't know what to do. the ticking noise hasn't stopped but has rapidly decrease since the oil change. I don't see any oil leak and my car isn't getting hot so i'm lost

1 Answer

knot

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  • Master 429 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 16, 2012
knot
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Joined: May 10, 2012
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The ticking noise is can be a sign of low oil pressure or worn out oil/wrong oil grade. Since you just changed your oil I would say that it is not the oil. The decrease in ticking comes from the new thicker oil. If you have an oil pressure gage, locate the oil pressure switch or any other oil passage to the engine and connect the gage to the passage and check the oil pressure and compare that to the mfg specs.. The oil pressure will most likely be something between 30-60 when the engine revs up a little but do check the mfg specs from a manual or call the dealer for the info.. If it has very little or no oil pressure it could cause extensive engine damage or complete engine failure. It is best to check the pressure or have it checked before you continue to drive the vehicle.

4 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1489 Answers
  • Posted on May 27, 2009

SOURCE: Engine ticking noise on cold starts

Sounds like a stuck valve lifter. I'd use some oil additive for unsticking lifters.

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Anonymous

  • 6982 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 03, 2009

SOURCE: Oil pressure gauge

Low oil pressure is generally caused by internal engine bearing wear, not a "bad" oil pump... Pumps become "bad" when debris from a failed component gets into it, causing damage. (exception being pressure regulator spring/plunger assembly becoming clogged with gunk in engines that do not get proper maintenance; likely not your case)
Were there any tapping noises coming from engine when pressure was low? If not, The most common problem is the pressure sending unit, sending bad info to the warning light. If passage going to it or internal passage is gunked up, this problem usually disappears when oil is changed. sometimes the sender just goes bad, in which case, change it.
To get a proper diagnosis on your problem, have someone put a mechanical oil pressure gauge on it. This will read the actual oil pressure and will tell you a lot about the condition of your engine!
I have never seen a valve job that corrected any oil pressure problem. I mistrust anyone who would even think that!!!
Mlinimum low pressure at idle is 15 psi Max is about 60psi running (higher can explode an oil filter) A reading of 15psi indicates the beginning of a problem. although considered "safe" it is not good.

Anonymous

  • 58 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 07, 2009

SOURCE: ticking or clicking noise in the engine while at idle speed

The "lifters" are valve lifter, not oil lifters. They are best described as hydraulic cushions. They use the engine oil pressure to expand and take up the slack between components. As the engine wears, clearances increase and the oil pressure decreases at idle. The ticking goes away with an increase RPM because the oil pressure increases. Using an additive like STP to thicken the oil some might stop it. It isn't uncommon or serious. I had a car once that had lifter noise unless I used Rislone detergent additive to keep varnish from building up around the lifter making it stick. The symtom of coolant in the oil is milkey foam. Some synthetic oils go in clear then turn red or purple. Relax and enjoy the next 100,000 miles. Keep the oil and air filter changed and watch for a leaking water pump. Overheating because the water pump seal or thermostat failed is the death of an older engine. If you want to be proactive, have these and the radiator hoses changed. Avoid a made in China water pump if possible.

czaa

Arnie Burke

  • 7339 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 15, 2009

SOURCE: 2007 Ford expedition won't start

ur oil pump may be failin-there r sensors everywhere on new cars-keepin u from starting as safety measure-computer systems r complex n things dont always show on 1 scan-they kinda hav the mindset of a pc

Testimonial: "Thank you. I have spoken with 2 other mechanics who said the same thing regarding the oil pump. It's being looked at. So I'll post more once I know"

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Has 358000 miles, just had leaks repaired. Twice since my oil pressure gauge reads no pressure but not all the time? Why

1. Oil Pressure Gauge Not Working You will notice this happens when your oil pressure gauge is not reading, whether the engine is turned off, idle or running. Try to step on the gas to rev up the engine. If the oil pressure gauge still doesn't change its reading, your gauge is busted. It's best to replace it as soon as possible because you won't have any idea if your car is already overheating or not.
2. Oil Pressure Gauge Reading Too Low When your engine is idle, the oil pressure gauge will have a low reading. When the engine starts running or when you're already cruising or on the freeway, your gauge's reading should have increased. If it stays on a low reading, then you now your oil pressure gauge is broken.
3. Oil Pressure Gauge Reading Too High Another common oil pressure gauge problem is when your oil pressure gauge is reading too high when your engine is idle or when it's turned off. Rep
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My oil pressure gauge gos very low when at a stop light check gauge light comes on oil was just changed and is full is the sending unit bad

do you hear any knocking when the oil pressure goes down than yes is the unit but some time all you have to do is change the oil filter a good brand
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I change the oil pump, the timming chain, the tensioner, the oil, the filter, the oil pressure switch and i still have low pressure

Check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge. This will give you a true pressure reading and eliminate the possibilty of the switch & electrical gauge being out of calibration. If indeed you still have low oil pressure, then excessive bearing wear is likely the problem. Did you notice much sludge in the engine when you replaced the chain & pump?
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Oo.com my 2004 ford crown victoria oil gauge goes from high to low and then stay under the low when i checked the oil it had plenty but it sounds like my motor is tapping please help!!!!!!!!!!!

You may need to change the oil filter; if it has become clogged, there will be such a pressure drop across it that the rest of the engine does not receive proper lubrication and the gauge reads low despite the presence of oil. Keep in mind that this gauge reads the oil pressure, not the oil level.
You may also have an issue with the oil pump itself, but the first thing to do is change the oil and filter. Often times, having this done at one of those jiffy lube places or something like that, they will change the oil but not the filter because they are lazy and figure you won't notice the difference.
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need more info just ask.
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