Oil Alarm

[franco2000]

I have a 1990 Jetta that is otherwise in geat shape. The oil alarm keeps going off after I ride for 5 miles or so. I took it in to my mechanic, he changed the oil, changed the filter, there are no leaks. The car starts fine, then 5 miles into my ride, the oil alarm gos off. The light stays off, there is oil in the car, but the alarm goes off. The mechanic can;t find anything.

The only thing I see that is strange, is that the oil level is a bit higher than max. Before I take it back, does anyone have a theory.

thanks

John

[Doug Tatham]

The oil pressure sensors are notorious for going bad. If it's not the sensors, it could be the electronics in the instrument consol that the sensors go to. Hook an oil pressure gage to your cylinder head instead of the pressure gage and let the car idle 20 minutes or so until the oil comes up to temperature. If the pressure really is low, you either have worn main bearings, rod bearings (not as likely) or crankshaft. If the pressure is low, I'd try to see if you can get a rebuilt engine (small block). I got one for $200 and I doubt I could have bought the parts to rebuild it myself for that.