Something interesting is going on with my oil....
2nd Gear member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 711
From: Goldendale, WA
Before you start replacing parts, double check your wiring and make sure that you just don't have a loose connection or damaged wire. Most times a sensor will either work or not, with the most notable exception to that being the coolant level sensor in our cars. Those things are about as flaky as a box of Wheaties.
Your lifters should pump up and quiet down after just a few seconds of idling. If they are still making noise after 15 minutes, you have something that you need to look into. That is a much higher priority than a flaky oil sensor in my opinion.
Your temperature theory doesn't really work unless you live north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska. It was -2 here the other day and my car fired right up and the lifters were silent.
Your lifters should pump up and quiet down after just a few seconds of idling. If they are still making noise after 15 minutes, you have something that you need to look into. That is a much higher priority than a flaky oil sensor in my opinion.
Your temperature theory doesn't really work unless you live north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska. It was -2 here the other day and my car fired right up and the lifters were silent.
Last edited by Grandpaswagon; Nov 30, 2010 at 08:06 PM.
not to be funny, but not once had the oil level been mentioned, have you check this is correct with the stick. If it is dont worry about the sensor!
for peace of mind i'd change the oil myself for the correct 5-30w just to be sure. Then see if it help.
Then pull the valve covers as basic concepts says and check the rods and that you aint got a busted spring too.
for peace of mind i'd change the oil myself for the correct 5-30w just to be sure. Then see if it help.
Then pull the valve covers as basic concepts says and check the rods and that you aint got a busted spring too.
ditto what Maudy said: change the oil yourself putting in the correct grade and amount. Then pull the dipstick and see where the level is. Compare that to what it was before the oil change and you'll know whether the level was low before.
The PO could have been masking problems by using heavy weight oil.
And the *first* thing you should do is install a correct rating thermostat. A lot of people think that removing the thermostat or using one of a lower rating is a solution for overheating problems. Not so. Basic engineering fact: the higher an engine's operating temp (to a point, of course) the better the engine's efficiency. This was an important driving factor behind the change from 180F to 195F thermostats back in the 70s. And while using a low temp thermostat is bad, running without one is much, much worse.
The PO could have been masking problems by using heavy weight oil.
And the *first* thing you should do is install a correct rating thermostat. A lot of people think that removing the thermostat or using one of a lower rating is a solution for overheating problems. Not so. Basic engineering fact: the higher an engine's operating temp (to a point, of course) the better the engine's efficiency. This was an important driving factor behind the change from 180F to 195F thermostats back in the 70s. And while using a low temp thermostat is bad, running without one is much, much worse.
