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1997 Cavalier - Oil Pressure Warning at Idle
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wendywarrior1
New User
Jan 6, 2008, 6:58 PM
Post #1 of 2
(7205 views)
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1997 Cavalier - Oil Pressure Warning at Idle
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Hi all,
This is an extremely well maintained car. Even at this age, it has no sludge in oil and is not using/leaking oil. Some time ago, the oil pressure warning light started coming on at warm idle. I had someone check the pressure. Guy stated it was 7 at idle and 70 at 3K (or 3.5K) rpm's. It wasn't the kind of shop I wanted to actually replace the oil pump so I took it to someone else for that. That mechanic stated that the oil sending unit "looked new" and didn't replace it. He did replace the oil pump (though he later stated it looked to be in really good condition, too!) At my request, he also changed the screen while he was replacing the oil pump.
Nevertheless, the oil pressure warning light STILL comes on at warm idle. I called the mechanic who replaced the oil pump and asked him did he check the oil pressure before I picked it up. He stated he didn't because he doesn't own a manual gauge. (Oddly, over 50% of the shops I've called today also do NOT have manual oil pressure gauges. What is up with THAT??? Oil is the lifeblood of the car - how can you have a shop and NOT have something to check the oil pressure?!?!?) THe oil looks good. No foaming, no odd color, and it appears clean. There is no notable engine noise - I'm not hearing anything from the lifters or rods.
But here's something else of interest that I had previously ignored...the seat belt warning light (which is located directly above the oil press warning light on the instrument panel) also has a tendency to come on/blink when braking and then stopping the car, and goes off shortly after moving/accelerating again. About 80% of the time both lights appear to be coming on in tandem. I previously ignored this, because I was completely traumatized by the thought of low oil pressure anywhere in my engine. I wanted to focus on that and be sure THAT problem got resolved. Of course- it's NOT.
As soon as I can find a local shop that actually HAS a manual check gauge - I'm going to have someone manually check the oil pressure again. The car has a WARM idle speed of 600 to 700 rpm's. (1,000 to 1,100 at cold idle). Since it's winter, I'm not inclined to change the oil to a heavier weight. I don't want to starve my engine on some really cold morning, you know? Any thoughts on what is actually going on here?
Much appreciated, Wendy
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 7, 2008, 2:39 AM
Post #2 of 2
(7192 views)
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Re: 1997 Cavalier - Oil Pressure Warning at Idle
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The first oil pressure reading is probably what it is now unfortunately. The shop that did the oil pump should buy a mechanical gauge. I just found one that just screws on for $21 bucks so no excuse.
My guess is you'll find the engine is worn at the main bearings and they leak down faster than the pump can keep up with the lower RPM and warmed up oil which is thinner then.
It's water over the falls but can you define "extemely well maintained?" What exact vicosity and type/brand of oil have you used?
What engine is in this? Some have histories of poor life,
T
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