Oil light stays on

[Brylt]

The oil light on the 1.6 zetec spends more time on than off so i could do with some info please.

Now the last time i had any problems like this was when i had a few cvh escorts which used to block the pickup pipe solid which was a common fault, do the zetec engines suffer the same sort of fault, where abouts is the oil pump, are these known for failing? also the revs take their time to drop when you lift off to change gear, could this be related to the oil problem or something totaly different.

The engine sounds ok but does have a slight rattle sometimes which indicates the oil light on is not a faulty switch and the mileage is 276000 so could the engine just be worn out.

 

Thanks Bryan

[dutchkev]

have you checked the oil level - daft question but start with the basics

[Stu]

After the above, you'll need to be checking the oil pressure with a proper gauge.

[escort4x4]

As said it could be one of many things,

 

oil pressure very low

low oil

blocked pick up pipe

or even the oil pressure switch

 

But as stu said your best having the pressure tested, as if it is a pressure fault you could destroy the engine very very quicklu

[Brylt]

The oil level is fine and the top end has an intermitent rattle indicating limited oil, how do i check the oil presure, is it a specialist tool or is there a more basic way to test it.

 

Bryan

[Stu]

You need an oil pressure gauge and fittings to connect to the place where your oil pressure switch goes.

[cdf_scort]

i had this and found out it was a fault pressure switch

[Brylt]

Getting hold of a pressure tester through the week so see what that tells me, also forgot to mention that the oil light only starts flashing at me when it is warm, when it's cold it's fine.

 

Bryan

[ScORTED]

probably a knackered engine then

as above test the oil pressure, are you using the correct grade?

[Brylt]

probably a knackered engine then

as above test the oil pressure, are you using the correct grade?

 

I was thinking of buying some supermarket cheepo flushing oil just to tip through it and see what happens.

 

Bryan

[stevmo3691]

tbh a 276K 1.6 zetec has had a long hard life. they tend to be good to 150-180K (average) obviously a perfectly maintained one will do more but chances are you've already done the damage by now. normally by the time you get the warning light its to late so best bet is either new engine, or atleast top end.

[rodney,.]

sounds like a dead oil pump , ive done a couple now, tbh if its rattling then replace it , go 18 or 2.0 for the sme money as gettin a new oil pump fitted,.

[Brylt]

Well the engine bit the dust this afternoon, so it looks like i'll be dropping engine a box out of my breaker tomorow.

It was seeming to be better so that must have been the preverbial light bulb

 

Bryan