8 replies to this topic

[lilacfairydust1]

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Rover Mini Cooper Sport
1998


Hi, I was hoping someone may be able to help!! My car is playing up, when at low revs the oil light comes on (i think this is oil pressure) however, when the revs are higher the thing goes off. Also, the temperature gauge will be nicely around the middle and normal, then it falls straight to the bottom, then a little later on it goes back up again. The engine isn't hot (i"m not running low on water) I have measured the oil and it is all OK too!!

I am a little worried this is all sounding a little head gasketish!! I took the car to a non mini garage and he just looked very pleased with the amount of money he could charge!!

I would be very appreciative if anyone could pass thoughts/feelings??

V

[minispaniard]

orange is for the oil, not the red one!!

[lilacfairydust1]

Nope, it is definitely red....the little oil pot on it confirms it as the oil indicator!

[minispaniard]

after re-reading your post I realized you never mentioned any colour of the light... my bad, sorry!

[bmcecosse]

Sounds like poor connection to the temp gauge, and low oil pressure. Best to get a proper oil pressure gauge so you know what's going on - but in the meantime, when were the oil and filter last changed - and is it 20W50 oil in there?

Edited by bmcecosse, 09 June 2011 - 07:45 PM.

[L400RAS]

orange is for the oil, not the red one!!

MPis have red lights for both charging and low oil pressure. Best to ask what symbol is on it, but the OP has now clarified

Edited by L400RAS, 09 June 2011 - 07:49 PM.

[lilacfairydust1]

Hi, where would I get that oil from??

thanks for your reply


Sounds like poor connection to the temp gauge, and low oil pressure. Best to get a proper oil pressure gauge so you know what's going on - but in the meantime, when were the oil and filter last changed - and is it 20W50 oil in there?
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[Deev]

Low oil pressure is relatively common on higher mileage Minis and usually means engine wear and an expensive fix, although you might be able to make the problem go away for a bit my giving it a good oil and filter change with good quality oil. Realistically if it's engine wear then there's not much of an option other than an engine rebuild or exchange (not cheap!!) although hopefully an oil change with buy you some time and prolong the inevitable!

How many miles on the clock? How much do you have to rev it before the light goes off?

[lilacfairydust1]

that news makes me a little (well, very) sad!! Would the oil pressure be reading as low if the exhaust isnt wrking well, it currently sounds like a tractor....mini at snails pace v's high speed bump = unhappy day!! I am getting the exhaust looked at, are the two things possibly linked?

I only have to rev it just above 1000, it doesn't always do it! it has done quite a few miles, I use it as my main car so she has been relied upon quite a lot!

this might seem extreme, but, how difficult is it to get a new engine??



Low oil pressure is relatively common on higher mileage Minis and usually means engine wear and an expensive fix, although you might be able to make the problem go away for a bit my giving it a good oil and filter change with good quality oil. Realistically if it's engine wear then there's not much of an option other than an engine rebuild or exchange (not cheap!!) although hopefully an oil change with buy you some time and prolong the inevitable!

How many miles on the clock? How much do you have to rev it before the light goes off?