Low Oil Pressure

[marionh]

Vehicle Information:
1991 Buick LeSabre
3.8 liter engine
215,000 miles
No engine work other than timing chain replacement as preventive
Uses about 1 quart of Valvoline 10W-30 per 4000 miles

Problem: Oil pressure light flickers during low engine RPM after warmup.

I'm considering trying a 10W-40 oil to see if this eliminates the problem. Any comments or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Marion

[Hypsi87]

check either the oil puressure sending unit or the wire that is going to it. Also 215,000 miles on it. I would not be suprised if the oil pump has wear to it. It's just one of thoes things that happens.

[marionh]

Originally Posted by Hypsi87

check either the oil puressure sending unit or the wire that is going to it. Also 215,000 miles on it. I would not be suprised if the oil pump has wear to it. It's just one of thoes things that happens.

Thanks for the suggestion, Hypsi!

[Hypsi87]

No problem man. I hope it all works out

[kratefan]

Have you checked the coolant temp? My TR was overheating at times and that would drop the oil pressure as well. The temp wasn't enough to set off the light, but it was high.
Jeff

[comp]

check those out, upping the oil wt. proably is good idea depending on
the temp.

[marionh]

Thanks for the responses, all of which provide good food for thought. I almost bought a SW mechanical oil pressure gauge yesterday and decided instead to let a mechanic who I know and respect listen to the engine. He was not in, but his son was there who is also good. I had heard a rattling noise when it was idling from time to time. He pointed out that is was occurring right after coming off of and just before going back to idle. Other than that, he said the motor sounded fine. I had the same shop install a timing chain about 35,000 miles ago, which they recommended because of high mileage. I'll probably take it in and let them find and repair the source of the noise next week. I've also asked him to clean the oil strainer and check the pressure while they are at it. As for overheating, I had the radiator rodded summer before last, and have never seen the high coolant temp light come on except when the ignition is switched on before starting. However, I have noticed lately that I'm losing about a cup of coolant a week, but the engine runs great so I don't suspect a leaking head gasket. I have just over 100k on the water pump, so the seal may be leaking. I need to check that. Interestingly, the oil pressure light has not flickered since I first posted this, but I'm not going to wait to check it out. Thanks again for all the input.

[comp]

see there you scared it just like a kid not wanting to go to the doc.

[marionh]

I wonder if that would work on my wife?

[comp]

don't you and millions of other guy's wish, i'm lucky i'm the tough one,
so i got it easy (ok easier) than most