8 replies to this topic

[wooly]

i have just got given a 1978 mini clubman.
it had been sat on a drive for a number of years.
i have changed the oil and oil filter.
i also used a engine cleaner sludge remover with the old oil before changing the oil.
however, i was advised (and used) 15/40, but haynes says 10/40.
after a cold night i went to start the oil light has come on.
when you rev it high the light dims and almost disappears.

any thoughts or advise?

i have removed the relif vavle, it didnt look dirty or the spring wasnt loose and it was tight to put back on...

many many thanks in advance, stewart

[redhotmini]

could be something as simple as a dodgy oil pressure switch, or the terminal on the switch has corroded. also, have you checked the oil level? 15w40 is fine to use, although a decent 20w50 will be best.

it could be the charging light, in which case check the fan belt isnt slipping, and check the voltage on the battery when the engine is running. it should be between 13.5 volts to 14.4 volts, any lower and the alternator isnt putting out enough power, any more and its over charging. best to change it if its that. although depends what colour the light is...

[nikilah]

could also be a worn oil pump or a sticking pressure relief valve. do the simple things first but what ever you do, dont run it for long. low oil pressure is not a good thing.
if its orange its the oil light, if its red its the battery.

[nmt_oli]

i have just got given a 1978 mini clubman.
it had been sat on a drive for a number of years.
i have changed the oil and oil filter.
i also used a engine cleaner sludge remover with the old oil before changing the oil.
however, i was advised (and used) 15/40, but haynes says 10/40.
after a cold night i went to start the oil light has come on.
when you rev it high the light dims and almost disappears.

any thoughts or advise?

i have removed the relif vavle, it didnt look dirty or the spring wasnt loose and it was tight to put back on...

many many thanks in advance, stewart

that could be your problem, engine flush can loosen a LOT of stuff in an old engine, and in some cases do more harm than good. i noticed a drop in oil pressure on my golf when i used it for the first time, clears some oil ways a bit too well!

20w 50 oil will probably see an increase in pressure too. if the lights coming on it still seems worryingly low though, could be some bearings on the way out, or a dodgy oil pump.

[wooly]

it is the orange light on the left hand side.

thank you for all the suggestions.

this is my first mini, are there any ways of testing for any of these suggestions or problems?

i took the pressure relief out, it looked ok, although it stick in the end when i took the nut off, but the spring seemed strong and took some pushing to get the nut back on.

i have drove it 2 times since but hopefully wont have to again.

obversly working cheapest first.....is it worth changing oil for a thicker one (20/50) will it affect engine, lower mpg?

or is it too late to try that?

is there anything that is common to this car for this problem?

[a2lt16v]

i got this problem on my engine i took it out a year ago and put it in the garage not seen the light since lol

[wooly]

thank-you

[Gr4h4m]

i got this problem on my engine i took it out a year ago and put it in the garage not seen the light since lol

LMAO

[taffy1967]

The oil you have used will be fine for now, but it would be worth investing in some good 20W50 oil (like Duckhams Q Classic) for the next time you treat it to an oil change. i.e. Within 6,000 miles or 6 months, but 3,000 miles would be better.

What level is the oil showing on you're dipstick and did you overfill it?