I was sitting at a stop light searching for Camaros when I noticed my Oil light starting to flicker. It stopped when I put it in neutral or revved the RPMs a little. I pulled into the gas station and checked the oil level and it was good. Any thoughts? I have already gone to Auto Zone and bought a new sending unit. Should I install an oil pressure guage? How would I go about doing that?
Hi Adam! The first thing i would check is the idle speed . If you put the trans in nuetral and the light went out it "may" be the reason. I would put gauges in , takes the doubt out ! You asked how do you do it , First you need a sending unit socket to remove the electric unit and to install the mechanical unit . I believe the unit on yours should be on the timing cover (above oil pump .) Install the sending unit , throw the 1/8 inch plastic line out !! Use 1/8 inch copper line and run it thru firewall (i ran mine thru a hole i drilled and installed a rubber gromet .) Mount gauge or gauges where you like , tighten all compression fittings , start , check oil preasure and check for leaks . Hook up the wiring for lite off the headlite wires , your done ! Hope that help's ya , Bruce Good Luck :beer :TU:
Adam, here's a link to a thread that shows my setup. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5243 On the engine side, what I did is this. I have a brass extension coming out of the block. That screws into a brass T fitting where I have the copper line on one side, and the idiot light sensor on the other. I put plumbers tape on all the threads and it doesn't leak one drop.
Thanks both of you... I didn't get any email replies that said anyone replied to this message...I haven't been getting them for a couple days now. I get a few, but not all.
Did you ever install the gauges? If so is the oil pressure still low at low rpms in drive or reverse? I am curious to know because I am having the same problems with the 350 in my Sportwagon.....oil light flicker at the stoplight. I changed out the two dollar sending unit but am still getting the flicker. Thanks. chris
I haven't gottne any guages yet. I really need to, but have been lazy and don't want to spend the money:spank:
Does it only do it when the engine is warm? Get a booster plate when you get your pressure guage, you're more than likely gonna need it.
Hi Adam, I had the same indication on the Electra that I bought for an engine donor. I drove the car before pulling the engine and had the same flickering oil lamp at idle speeds. I hate to say this, but it is probably due to excessive wear in the timing cover/pump assy and it really is low oil pressure. That is what was the problem on mine. Good news is that a new T/A timing cover/oil pump will fix that. Bad news is that it costs about 600-700 bucks for the whole thing, set up and ready to run. Good news is that it looks great on the front of your motor if you leave it raw aluminum. Sounds like an excuse for a custom built Jim Wiese 455. Mine should be done soon and I will post the dyno numbers as soon as I get them. Brian
Adam as hard as it might be to fork out the cash... I think at the very least the oil gauge is very important. It can save you some serious cash in the long run. Plus you alays know exactly what's going on with your flow. Take it from me I ran my engine with no oil pressure after the rope seal clogged my oil pick up screen . and melted my bearings.To be safe save some cash get the booster plate. It's made by melling I'll get you the part number. :eek2:
Mine is doing it only when the engine is warm. It is a 350. My goal is to ultimately replace this 350 with a 455 so I do not want to sink money into the 350. Engine idles a little rough when the light comes on at the stoplight so there is a problem. I am also getting some lifter knock so I am wondering if all of this is caused by melted cam bearings or blockage........hmmm. chris
Chris you got any pics of your Centurion? I also remeber talking to Adam about the rear stainless trim on my Lesabre. How rare an option was this. Any ideas.
You are probably idling at under 5 psi of oil pressure hot, that's why the light is flickering. Is this a high mileage motor? You could try switching to a heavier oil. Jim Burek
I posted the original message up top a long time ago. It's not doing it anymore! But thanks for the replies. I'll try to get some guages before I drive to Flint in a month.... Ivan, There's a guy on the BCA board that knows his stuff about the Centurion and rare option packages, etc. Here's his email: laurance@integrity.com Tell him I sent you:grin: He had asked me at one point if I had the "super rare" trunk lid moulding...and I said no. Because I don'to No: I would kill to get some, though. It looks sweet.
Mine doen't have it either...wish it did. I will have some pictures up pretty soon I hope......still have the oil light flicker. I am running sae 40 in there. chris
See if you can order the adjustable spring from TA. It worked well with my car. I was having low pressure due to an incorrect spring when I rebuilt my pump. I run 20-50. I was running 30 SAE but my car likes the 20-50
