Club 80-90 Forums

Hi
I have a 1990 petrol 2.1 injection engine. Recently took it to garage for service/MOT and asked them to look at cooling system as it generally seems to be running at a higher temp than it used to. Used to rarely go above half way, now often sits between half and 3/4 in traffic etc. They found cracked/split thermostat and replaced that and fan. Now seems to be regulating ok (Though still on the higher readings). But since picking it up the oil pressure lamp is flickering intermittently. Noticed it at low speed when stopping at lights etc when town driving, took it for a longer run last weekend and after about 30 mins driving the light began flickering at speed on motorway. Came off motorway and took slower country roads but the flickering got more frequent. On journey back flickering started almost immediately and was fairly frequent (though not a steady flashing) so pulled over and got recovered just in case. Took back to garage and they replaced a dodgy wire but after driving again in town today the light still flickering on coming to stop etc so I think the problem is still there. I’m going to ask them to check pressure again plus sensors/switch etc but just wondering if the general rise in temperature (according to gauge anyway!) and now oil pressure flickers could be signs of bigger engine trouble. Supposed to be heading off on holiday with kids next week and feeling quite nervous about whether van up to it. Had it 7 years and always been a reliable and brilliant runner till now.

Any thoughts/advice appreciated! I’m not a mechanic but can pass on to the garage who are scratching their heads a bit...

Thanks

My first thought is that they have used the wrong oil when it was changed, hopefully the the petrol guys can get to the bottom of it.

I presume you have checked oil level.  Ensure that level has moved on dipstick after running engine and settled down to where it should be after resting a while.

As time is not on your side, you just need to test the oil pressure. If it’s good, then try to ignore the flickering light on your holiday and replace the ‘blue’ sensor when you get back. If it’s not good, then you’ll have to leave it at home and perhaps hire or borrow a replacement.

What oil filter have they fitted ?

Wrong / poor quality filter may be causing problems

As above, what oil have they used (make / grade) - and what was in before

Most likely your van has the later Warning system DOPS and the LED is actually controlled by the electronic circuit and not directly by the oil pressure switch.   If the DOPs system is functioning then I would have expected the warning buzzer to have sounded.    Like others have said,  your safest option is getting an actual pressure reading.  If OK you can then look at all the other possible causes.   

If it was alright before they ‘serviced it’, then I think 937 is onto something. It should have a W719/12 oil filter and 4.5 litres of 15W-40 ‘mineral’ oil only. Check this with that garage, change them both if they have not done this. This may solve your problem. If not, then do the oil pressure test.
Unrelated but important; the sump plug torque is 25Nm

Thanks all. Yes the oil is same as usual and filter replaced like for like. Same garage does the device every year so they know the van.

Will get pressure checked again and replace sensors in case they are faulty.

Thank you for suggestions.

Cecil wrote: ↑27 Jul 2020, 14:27

They found cracked /split thermostat and replaced that and fan.

Are we talking thermal switch (in the radiator) here?  Hopefully by “thermostat “ they are talking about the main cooling system thermostat and that is what they replaced.If not that looks like the next job!

Also , did the garage tell you that the oil was “the same as usual”? because that is not the same as telling you that the correct oil was used.  Might they tend not to have the correct grade for older vehicles in stock and use the type that they do have? In fact what you want to hear  is  , 15w 40  mineral was used.

 

The OP states that the oil pressure light was flickering at speed,  I would also investigate why the buzzer failed to trigger and eliminate any wiring issues or problems with the DOPs circuit.   

Cecil wrote: ↑28 Jul 2020, 10:47

Cecil wrote: ↑27 Jul 2020, 14:42

Cecil wrote: ↑27 Jul 2020, 14:27
A

 

Cecil wrote: ↑28 Jul 2020, 10:47

Cecil wrote: ↑27 Jul 2020, 14:42

Cecil wrote: ↑27 Jul 2020, 14:27
Sorry I tried to E D I T my post and got in a right old muddle!