How long until oil pressure light goes out?

[TimG]

From cold, my oil pressure light takes about three seconds before going out, but then stays off no problem. Clearly the time taken will vary with oil type as well as various mechanical factors (loosly described as how knackered the engine bearings or oil pump are), but I would like some reassurance that I have not got a major snag approaching.

I suppose I should get hold of a gauge and check the running pressure properly. I'm using 10w40 oil.

Obviously I avoid revving the engine or pulling away until the light has gone out, but "the other driver" cannot be guaranteed to do the same!

Cheers.

Tim G

 

[JonathanM]

On my 2001 wagon the light is out as soon as the engine starts - no delay. Obvisouly doesn't mean you have a problem, but just comparing similar aged vehicles (mine has about 70k on the clock).

 

[Toolbox]

TimG,

I would change your oil pressure switch before you do anything they are a common cause of the light being slow to go out. Take a look at it and see if there is any external signs of oil around the switch.

 

[TimG]

Thanks to you both. If a similar aged vehicle's light goes out straight away then I think I need to have a proper look at it. I'll get my local garage to put a gauge on it.

Cheers.

Tim

 

[mr-gadget]

I use 15 40 as recommended by my local shell agent... dont have that problem......

 

[rossco]

I'm running 15w 40 and when stone cold like left for the night outside the light takes about 2-3 seconds to go out.
When warm goes out just about straight away.
I'm not worried about the time.

 

[Rincewind]

I am currently using Castrol Magnatec and like rossco, from cold it takes about 2-3 seconds for the light to go out but goes out almost immediatly when warm.

Now that the reseller's warranty is up and I will not be paying through the nose for servicing I doubt it will be getting treated to Magnatec every 6 months so should i be worried if the light still takes 2-3 secs to go out, or should I stick with paying for the overly priced Magnatec and putting it in myself?

Rincewind

 

[rustic]

I'm running 15w 40 and when stone cold like left for the night outside the light takes about 2-3 seconds to go out.
When warm goes out just about straight away.
I'm not worried about the time.

Yes mine exactly the same. I did replace the oil pressure switch about 3 years ago as oil was leaking past the electrical connector. So check this out.
Tip, when changing the oil filter, 3/4 fill the filter with new oil, saves running dry for those extra seconds while it takes the pump to fill the filter.

 

[drivewasher]

My t2 has done 160K now the oil light takes 3or4 secs to go out in morning so I wait until it been out a good 20 secs before pulling away
10/40 oil, last year I tried 20/50 oil the light went out straight away but top end noise was there for a good 1 min so changed back to 10/40

 

[TimG]

Thanks for the comments. I am much reassured that there is no major snag, but I will have a look for a leaking pressure switch when I get the time.

This whole thing brings me back to a thought I've had for a while:

Large marine diesel engines have oil priming pumps to ensure that the bearings are full of oil and pressure is established before starting. Has anyone heard of similar arrangements for cars? I wonder how much longer a car engine would last with such as system fitted....

 

[rossco]

I don't think it would make any difference to an average vehicle as there is always a oil film around on starting unless left for a long time.
The only time you would have problem would be if you drove a vehicle over distance hard with no oil.

 

[rossco]

I am currently using Castrol Magnatec and like rossco, from cold it takes about 2-3 seconds for the light to go out but goes out almost immediatly when warm.

Now that the reseller's warranty is up and I will not be paying through the nose for servicing I doubt it will be getting treated to Magnatec every 6 months so should i be worried if the light still takes 2-3 secs to go out, or should I stick with paying for the overly priced Magnatec and putting it in myself?

Rincewind

If you are going to change your brand of oil make sure you flush all of the old oil out and change the oil filter.
Some brands do not like each other due to the additives they put in the oil for cleaning etc.

 

[jace]

makro have gtd magnetec on offer think its 14.99+ vat about three quid cheaper even at full wac its cheaper than oscotts who are a car parts wholesaller!