17 replies to this topic

[BigKevG]

Hi all,

1986 Mayfair with Stage 1 kit.

After a recent run to York Raceway and a blast up and down the motorways (around 140 miles in total), I noticed my dipstick was showing just below minimum after I checked the oil. The journey was fine with the gauge reading perfect pressures there and back.

I have now topped up using cheap "Wilko's" 20/50w mineral oil to get me by, and last night noticed the pressure gauge slipping down to 5psi while in traffic, and nearly stalling the engine. It was the first time it has done this, and while running along at high revs the gauge is perfect showing 60-65psi, but when sat it traffic is gradually slipping down from 40psi down to 5psi.

I am hoping that you pro's can put my mind at rest by saying that it is because I have got cheap oil and because it was red hot because of sitting in traffic, and so not performing very well...I am also hoping their are no underlying issue's of engine damage. Charlie has been running well and fine up until this last night.

I will be cleaning the pressure relief valve in case it's clogged with c**p and probably have an oil change at the weekend.

Thoughts please, and all comments advice will be appreciated cheers...

[cal844]

all depends how low the oil was below the mark... and how long you ran it at 5psi??

[BigKevG]

It was only at 5psi when I was stopped in traffic which was for about 20 minutes, and when I blipped the revs it kept it from stalling. I managed to get home and switch him off. The oil was no more that 2-3 mil below the minimum mark before I topped it up.

[cal844]

i strongly suspect you have damaged the engine. as soon as the oil pressure drops to 20 psi i would stop the engine, any lower than 20psi and there will be damage caused to the bearings etc

[lewBlew]

Oil is oil is oil. I don't think the brand of oil will make a difference, certainly not in such a short period of time.

[BigKevG]

Just seem's very odd, as there was no odd noises or rattles from the engine to indicate any problems, and no dip in performance, and it's the first time the pressure has ever dropped so low...I really hope I've not knackered anything up!

[Badboytunes]

Oil pressure will be low when the engine is hot and the car I on tick over. Remember, the oil gauge is for pressure and not level. If you did not have a gauge and just had a light to rely on , you would be no the wiser. So.... stop worrying at the moment. If it were my car, I would get some decent oil in the engine. If there is no oil light coming on when its ticking over, you get a good reading when the revs rise and no un nerving noises then I would say panic over. Having a low oil level will not make the car stall.............

[cal844]

yeah but why is the pressuer dropping? that alone is(would be if it were my car) a majour worry

[KernowCooper]

A slow idle speed which could have been caused by fuel vapourasition while your in traffic could have been the cause of the low pressure and heat, I would get some quality oil as some of the cheap brands do loose there viscosity when hot, and change the oil and filter and then road test the car.

[carbon]

Running the engine with the oil level 2-3mm below the minimum will not have caused any damage to the engine bearings etc, as there will still have been oil getting to the pump.

5psi at tickover is too low, even with cheap 20/50

[KernowCooper]

The OP only reported 5psi mind at almost stalling speed, not a normal idle, depending if its slightly worn and done a few miles and the idle drops to almost stalling revs then I have seen 5psi oil lights flashing.

[blacktulip]

do an oil change with some good oil and then get back to us if it still happens.

[mini-luke]

The reason you are getting low oil pressure is because you are stalling the engine, the engine isn't stalling because it has low oil pressure. You need to find why it's stalling, not why you have low oil pressure when stalling, which would be expected

[Cooperman]

The reason you are getting low oil pressure is because you are stalling the engine, the engine isn't stalling because it has low oil pressure. You need to find why it's stalling, not why you have low oil pressure when stalling, which would be expected

Absolutely correct. You should do the following:
1. Change the oil for a top-quality 20w50 and fit a new oil filter.
2. Set the tickover to between 800 & 900 rpm when warm.
3. Check the oil pressure at that setting when warm. It should be around 20 to 25 psi.

[iwatkins]

Indeed, our Mini will drop to 5psi just before it cuts out (now sorted, fuel problem).

I would as advised, filter and oil change. Then sort out your stalling issue.

Cheers

Ian