Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Vauxhalloofer on 04 February 2014, 16:46:42

Title: red oil warning light
Post by: Vauxhalloofer on 04 February 2014, 16:46:42
Hi Peeps, just done headgasket have now got red oil warning light on dash.The oils full and as revs get high, it goes out.
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: martin42 on 04 February 2014, 17:07:15
Could be a faulty oil pressure switch
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Vauxhalloofer on 04 February 2014, 17:13:11
I hope so mate,seems weird that when you rev it it goes out.Where is the switch located.Any ideas thanks
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Andy B on 04 February 2014, 17:38:16
No idea about this specific engine, but on my Carlton, CIH like Manta etc the oil pump needed needed priming before it'd pump properly.
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Vauxhalloofer on 04 February 2014, 18:22:20
2.2 dont really know how it works thought it might be self priming
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Entwood on 04 February 2014, 19:27:35
Having just done the head gasket, I'd be very concerned that something has not been put back together correctly... I don't do coincidences .... Low oil pressure that "appears" to correct under high rpm stinks of an abnormally high flow somewhere in the engine.

Oil pressure is produced by the restrictions to flow that the oilways and channels make .... it really sounds to me like all the oil is going down some easy path of low resistance internally, which means all the other parts of the engine are NOT getting the oil they need for both lubrication and cooling.

I would not be running this engine until the cause of the low oil pressure is proven.
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Vauxhalloofer on 04 February 2014, 19:43:06
Yep cant see why it would turn itself off at higher rpm unless its a blockage somewhere
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Entwood on 04 February 2014, 19:55:41
Yep cant see why it would turn itself off at higher rpm unless its a blockage somewhere

It is NOT a "blockage" ... that would give high oil pressure, it is too high a flow somewhere giving LOW oil pressure .. although both high and low are bad for all engines .. :(
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 February 2014, 20:08:23
Could it be that the oil was refilled and the level checked cold prior to starting, and not subsequently topped up to allow for the 'extra' half litre that the oil filter contains :-\
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 February 2014, 20:16:08
I'm going to go for debris (old sealant, etc.) having clogged the pickup strainer in the sump or perhaps got lodged in the pressure relief valve.
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Vauxhalloofer on 04 February 2014, 20:35:41
Thanks question is could i drive it as i am now not bovered about the car.
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Andy B on 04 February 2014, 20:42:07
your car ....... your call  ::) ::)
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Entwood on 04 February 2014, 21:12:21
Thanks question is could i drive it as i am now not bovered about the car.

High risk of seizing or other damage to the engine.

Low oil pressure means a lack of lubrication and cooling to critical parts .....

Out of pure "mechanical sympathy" I would suggest not even starting it, however, as said .. your car, your risk  ... if you go out in it make sure you have breakdown cover !!!
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 February 2014, 21:14:15
Thanks question is could i drive it as i am now not bovered about the car.
Waste of a head gasket :-X
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: PhilRich on 04 February 2014, 21:35:20
Why bother to renew the Head Gasket & all the work that goes with it if you're not bothered about the car ???
We're mostly Omega enthusiasts here who love these cars and to see one of an ever dwindling number ruined for the sake of a bit of TLC is sickening, at least to me! :(
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: terry paget on 04 February 2014, 22:09:50
I had a similar fault on a 2.2. It turned out to be the oil pressure light switch. It's on the front of car side on top of the oil filter unit. Access is tricky, best way in is from the front with a long wobbly bar and a deep socket, 24mm from memory.
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Vauxhalloofer on 04 February 2014, 22:25:20
Yep terry ive probably Knocked the switch or its just decided to go lol.
Title: Re: red oil warning light
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 February 2014, 22:59:15
When you started it did it sound like a tractor or did the hydraulic lifters all quieten down reasonably quickly?