4 replies to this topic

[namefake]

Chaps

Hopefully a nice easy one for you. My mini (2001 Cooper Sport) seems to have developed an oil pressure problem, in that the oil warning light comes on only at idle, and only once the engine is warmed up. It's happening as the oil gets warmer and thinner, as you can see the light start to blink and flutter as the engine gets near temperature.

I've read many threads on here describing similar problems, but there doesn't seem to be a magic fix, so I'm starting at the simplest job and that would be renewing the oil pressure switch. My question is regarding identifying it in the first place!

I think I know which one it is, but I am being confused slightly as there is a very similar looking component near it. Looking at the front of my engine, sandwiched between the oil dipstick and the oil filter, is what I think is the oil pressure switch. Am I right? To the immediate left of the oil filter (and down a tad) is the other component that looks almost the same. What is this?

Assuming I have identified the oil pressure switch right, it looks like I'll have to take off the DIS module to access it. Has anyone done this? Is it hard for a beginner?

One more related question: if when I renew the switch my problem still remains, my next step will be to look at the oil relief valve, but again I am having problems identifying it. Any pointers?

Thanks

Neil

[L400RAS]

Hi Neil,

Please see attached jpeg showing where and what the oil pressure switch and relief valve looks like.

Plesae don't think im calling you stupid when i ask if you have checked the oil level recently? Is it on or near the "max"? If not, pour some in. Also an oil chance can cure this problem, - refil using eihter 10W40 or 20w50 mineral oil.

Ryan.

Edit:
by the way- i have just changed my oil to 20w50 minerail, after 3 years of being on 10w40, and i am finding heh thicker oil does build pressure quicker from cold, and holds it better when warm ( i ahve fitted an aftermarket oil pressure gauge).

Edited by L400RAS, 20 July 2009 - 07:34 PM.

[namefake]

Hey Ryan

Thanks for that. Much appreciated. The oil level is fine. In fact I recently had the filter and the oil changed to try and solve the pressure problem. At first I thought it'd worked, as the warning light didn't come on in the usual time (about 10-15 mins driving), but after a longer journey it did still come on. Most disappointing! Now it's back to the usual short time.

The problem is the change was done by Kwik Fit, so I have no idea the quality of oil used. I was thinking of doing another oil change and this time using the 20w50 so at least I know what oil is in it. No access to a ramp though so I'm not sure about doing the oil change myself.

Anyway thanks again for the image, helps a lot, and hopefully I can get the switch changed now, and hopefully not bugger up anything else like the DIS in the process.

Cheers

Neil

[rick.spi]

ive got the exact same problem on my spi... hoping it is the switch on mine

[newdawn1st]

Kwik Fit use the same oil for all their oil services, was 10w40 semi-synthetic last time I asked them. So yes I'd say worth while changing oil and filter again to 20w50 mineral. Lots of threads on best brands, where to get etc, so a quick search should give some helpful suggestions.