pressure

[dpoorsBenz]

i think i may have a prob with my oil pressure (1988 190e 2ltr).
on igniton idle the pressure gauge reads between 1 & 2, then when i start my ten mile journey to work it reads constantly 3. but about halfway through the journey when idling the pressure drops to just about 1 when in drive and 2 when idling, but the pressure takes time to build up to 3 when i get moving and the oil pressure light comes on pretty regularly. ive read on different threads on here that this could possibly be caused by the oil pressure sender being at fault :| . there is no problem with the actual running temp or the general running of the car. having only just got the car i cant really say wether the previous owner had put the recomended oil in. i dont know if this is really a big problem, but having had 2 head gsakets go on my previous car (rover 214 k16) im just a bit paranoid

 

[tom7035]

Oil pressure.

First thing I would suggest you do as you have only just acquired the car and don't know its history for sure is change the engine oil and filter then see what happens. Choice of oil is yours of course but one of the best IMHO is 5W-40 fully synthetic of any reputable brand.
Lots of people would insist on flushing first but, again IMO, this is just a waste of time and money with modern oils, just make sure the oil is really hot when you drain it.
Cheers, Tom.

 

[television]

Oil presure

At 160k, wear can start taking place, more so at the bottom end, depending on how the car has been driven, serviced. It only takes one worn journal in the oil chain, and the presure will drop.
If the car had been driven just 5 miles with the head gasket leaking (water in oil) that could knock the bottom end out.

A sender only cost a couple of ££. If it was mine I would take the sender out and see what it reads with an presure gauge scewed in the hole, engine hot after a drive and not with an engine warmed up stationary.

Malcolm

 

[dpoorsBenz]

thanks Tom, i changed the oil to the recommened, and hey presto!!! problem solved

 

[george shand]

Nice one Tom, keep it simple and look for the obvious first!