12 replies to this topic

[Mechanically useless]

Hi, I'm a newbie . My girlfriends just got a beaten up 1989 Mayfair and I've got the job of making sure it's going to get her around town without blowing up! Unfortunately I'm fairly rubbish when it comes to engines so I've a lot of learning to do. :'(

So firstly has anyone any ideas on why the low oil pressure light has been coming on? I started it from cold this morning and it came on when I reved the engine to about 1500rpm - so I stopped and it went out. After 5 mins (with the light out) I drove to work in it (about 9 miles) and it came on again whenever I accelerated and then went back out again when I held it at a constant speed. By the time I had got to work it had stopped coming on altogether! Any ideas on what I need to do?

Secondly - If I'm trying to make sure it's going to be as reliable as possible what are the things I should be checking to start with?

Thanks alot

Edited by Mechanically useless, 25 October 2006 - 11:03 AM.

[bert998]

have you checked the oil level?

[Mechanically useless]

Well erm.. no. I'd convinced myself it wasn't the oil level because the light wasn't on all the time! is it best to check the level with the engine warm or cold?

[bert998]

Its needs to have sit for a few minutes to ensure all the oil has drained into the gearbox to give a correct reading.

[minimadjonesy]

Probably needs topping up as Bert says - it'll come on when the oil pressure drops! Check the Oil, if it is not low then let us know!

[Mechanically useless]

Cheers I'll check it!

What rpm should the car ideally idle at?

[miniboo]

600 i think

but upto 850-900 is ok

[minimadjonesy]

yeah, anything between 600 and 900 is fine.

[Jammy]

It should idle between 600-900.

I believe the standard oil pressure should come on at 8psi? If I@m correct with that, and the light is coming on due to low pressure (and not something like a stuck pressure relief valve or faulty sender) then you'll be very lucky if you've got away driving it without any permanent damage to the engine bearings.

[Mechanically useless]

Well what do you know the oil level was under the min mark on the dip stick - topped her up and the light stays off! - hope I haven't done too much damage to the engine/gearbox! :'(

[taffy1967]

You should be okay but treat it to a full service and use good quality oil like Duckhams Q Classic 20W/50, but don't ever use synthetic oil or thin 10W/40 stuff either.

[Grayedout]

And check the oil at least once a week !

[Clubby1275GT]

yeah always check the oil frequently as mini's are prone to tiny leaks, that after a week adds up to a medium leak, and so on and so on.
the orange light should only come on when the ignition on and when u start the engine it should go out, usually at the same time or slightly before the red one.