Am I Screwed?

[dozebeats]

Well lemme give you the history first.I have an 01 Galant LS with 135,000 miles on it.Just the other day, after getting off the highway in 85 degree weather, I noticed that when I came to a stop, my oil light would flicker.Now it only seems to do it after getting off the highway.If I go to a store or run errands in my area, its fine.So I took it to my mechanic and he replaced the oil switch.Everything was fine just driving around the neighborhood.The next day I went to work (back on the highway) and it wasnt that warm outside yet (no light came on).So when I came back home from work and got off the highway, the light started to flicker again.So now I know its not the oil switch.I took the car back to my mechanic and was told its the oil pump and that it would cost me $4,000 to drop the egnine and replace it.So is that it? Is that the only possible problem it can be and Im basically out of a car? I seriosuly cannot spend that kind of money on a car thats already a little beat up and has high mileage.I really dont know what to do.Do I drive it until the engine goes or are there other possible solutions?

Any help is appreciated!

[dukowski]

try to see for any leak of oil in the engine.

[njjfudge]

$4000!!!!! WOW where you live?

[spongbob1]

try using a mitsubishi oil filter and synthetic oil (use 10w30, mobil 1 is good). It is a lil more expensive . had same problem after changing oil with cheap filter and bulk oil( oil that comes in 55gal drums ). Oil thins out as it heats up thats prob y it only happens off highway. I've also added stp oil treatment. the galant i have is a 2.4ltr 4cyl with 110,000 miles. hope this helps

[gob 455]

Have a quality oil pressure gage installed and see what the pressure is. It only takes 5 to 10 PSI to keep the light off. If you live in a mild climate try a synthetic 10w30. If it is going to get cold before your next service go with a synthetic 5w30. It has the same thickness when hot, but is easer to pull out of the oil pan if it gets below 0.

[trackerlove]

Check your dipstick. How much oil is in the car? Don't spend tons of money if the problem is as simple as adding some oil or even having an oil change done.

[RahX]

It could be a leaky oil pressure sensor too. Easy to change and diagnose. If it is wet with oil at all and it isn't being dripped on, try replacing it first. Regular oil should be just fine for your car. Changing your oil regularly is the single best thing you can do for any car. Synthetic is only worth the extra money if you have a internally modified engine/turbo/supercharger/abused engine. For regular duty regular oil is fine 99% of the time.