300 ce 24 oil pressure slow to rise

[IanJ13]

I've just noticed that the oil pressure is slow to rise after cold start up. Maybe taking 10-15 secs to get up to 3. I've had the car about 6 months and I don't remember it doing this when I first got it. I only use it about once a week, so I can't be sure about that. Once up, the pressure stays there, maybe dropping to 2 bar at idling and down to 1.5 if really hot and sitting in traffic. Is this something I should worry about?

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[LostKiwi]

Its not ideal but as long as the pressure is good hot it indicates bearings etc are good.
When did the car last have a filter change?

 

[IanJ13]

Its not ideal but as long as the pressure is good hot it indicates bearings etc are good.
When did the car last have a filter change?

Good question. TBH, I'm not sure, although the prior owner said it had been recent and the oil is very clean. Good idea to do that though, as a first step.

 

[robparker]

Only use genuine MB filters

 

[rayhennig]

I've just noticed that the oil pressure is slow to rise after cold start up. Maybe taking 10-15 secs to get up to 3. I've had the car about 6 months and I don't remember it doing this when I first got it. I only use it about once a week, so I can't be sure about that. Once up, the pressure stays there, maybe dropping to 2 bar at idling and down to 1.5 if really hot and sitting in traffic. Is this something I should worry about?

Any advice gratefully received.

2 things to comment on.

1. My oil pressure read zero a couple of times. Panic. I found that a smart tap on by the gauge sent it immediately to the top.

2. It could be the pressure sensor. Not very expensive. Might be worth replacing with a genuine MB sensor. I'm replacing mine as for peace of mind.

Good luck.

RayH

 

[chardF]

If you had no pressure in the 1st 10 secs then the car would rattle it's nuts off. Try sensor as RH says. Not worth risking a cheapo oil filter when a Mann is only £5

 

[IanJ13]

Quick update on this. Changed the oil and filter; old one was clogged and black. Definitely improved and resting hot idle in D is now just over 2. Was quick to pop up to 3 on start-up after oil change, but this morning after cold rainy night was much slower again. Then was at 3 whole journey, and still at 2 on hot idle stuck in traffic in drive and foot on brake. However, before top end was a little tappety after start-up for a few secs, but now, after oil change, that noise has gone. Also it's running more smoothly, but I think that's more to do with the disconnected breather pipe and split air intake hose I noticed when stripping off the air filter shroud to access the oil filter housing. So, I'm not too worried. Will monitor it, but I guess next step is to try a new sensor.

 

[umblecumbuz]

If the old oil was sludgy and previous changes were unknown, then I'd run the car for a few miles and change both oil and filter again. Insurance.

 

[Tashman]

Based on your descriptions I feel sure its a sluggish gauge/sensor problem rather than actually having low oil pressure.