Hey,



I've owned 27 cars and rebuilt several engines, but this has never happened to me: Last week, after a routine oil change (using a smaller filter, something I have done in the past) I noticed the oil PSI light flashing when at a stop at the lights (Automatic - idle 700-750 RPM) I've never seen this before, it happened all of a sudden. I have a PSI gauge, and it was always towards the "L" when at idle (Stock PSI gauge which is 25 years old). It only happens when the engine is warm and has been driven for a while. I guess the oil thins out.



I changed the oil to a heavier grade: This did not help.

I changed to the correct 4G63 filter (I was using a G4CS - same idea, just smaller media): This did not help

I added Lucasoil - This, eventually, also did not help (albeit it shut up my noisy HLA nicely - I have the 12 valve (jet valve) 4G64 head with hydraulic lash adjusters)



For now, I just pop it into neutral while at an intersection (it literally needs 50 more RPM for the light to turn off)



What could it be? I have a spare parts motor, I was thinking of taking out the oil pump from that engine, enlarging the oil passage and putting it in the current engine.



I heard that loss of oil PSI could also be due to worn bearings - I doubt that case in my car, the engine is strong and pulls well - no abnormal noise or performance.



Any other ideas of what could cause low oil PSI and tips on how to make the car run well till April (after exams) when I can tackle this properly?

 

Worn bearings or a worn oil pump are the most likely culprits. A clogged oil passage to or from the pump might also do it but it's less likely. It's a hassle but you've shown inclination to do a lot of work: pull one bearing cap and plastigage the bearing.

 

sh*t, I'm in a cast for 3-5 months starting tomorrow - I guess I'll put thicker oil in there for now, a bearing set is cheap anyways - I hope it can wait till May!

 

Ouch. Well, I hope you have roadside assistance on your insurance.

 

LOL thats not the problem, if I lose this car, I can;t go to school, work... Im pretty much f*cked.



I;ll worry about it if/when it happens... It may just be that it will last!

 

My moms 97 firebird has the same issue, low psi at idle and it is the bearings. You would never know it, she sounds normal and pulls hard, the only sign of trouble is the low psi at idle.

 

I put thinner oil in it and now the light stays on until 1,500 RPM!



I'm gonna put some molasses 100w1000 oil in there for now, and take bets.



I've seen some Elantra GT's around here for just around $2,000