I got my car back from the shop today. they fixed my old oil leak by replacing one the main seals. (didn't do it my self because of a shear lack of time and I needed it done quickly since this is my everyday driver.) Anyway, while I had the leak my oil pressure light would keep flickering on and off with my new turbo set up.

Since I got the car back I drove it about 5 miles and the pressure was fine. Once I got home I turned the car off for a few minutes, went out side with the laptop and turned the car on again. This time I had an oil pressure light instantly and you could here the lifter from who the hell knows how far away. Anyway, I checked the oil level and it was normal, checked for leaks all around the turbo and everywhere else. Found none. I have my feed line to the turbo coming from the side of the head (not sure what size line b/c it came with vipers kit, but it isn't very big). I don't have an oil pressure gauge, but it is clearly to low considering the awful lifter sound (the sound is worse than the time I had a bad leak that I didn't know about in which my oil level was so low that it didn't even touch the stick.)

Btw... (unless the shop changed the oil) I am using 20w 50 synthetic oil for high heat resistance.

 

Hrm, no idea.

If its still present in the morning I'd pick up an oil pressure gauge, or call the shop that did the work.

Out of curiousity, why 20w-50? Usually better to run straight oil (I.e im running straight 30) with turbo setups.

 

20w 50 is very heat resistant.

Well, my dad and I came up with an idea of what it may be. We were thinking that the oil pressure relief spring may be sticking open due to a little bit of dirt. Before I take the oil pan off, does anybody else think this may be the problem?

Also, I guess there is a slim chance that the filter is clogged. I will change this before the oil pan comes off.

For everyone's info. I had to tap the oil feed line to the turbo (long story but it had to be done.) Anyway, I cleaned out the metal shavings as good as possible, but maybe some of the chips got into the oil system.

 

While 20w-50 isn't as bad as 10w-40 is, you really shouldn't run it. In order to get the multi-viscosity properties of oil, manufacturers add a bunch of polymers that make lubrication worse. Hence, a straight oil is better.

Before you go pulling the pan, change the oil and filter to see if it helps.

 

^^^ Yea i'll definitely try that.

 

which seal was it? rear main seal or the front seal? was it on the block or the head?

change your oil back to straight and see what happens.. and yeah as ham mentioned, get an oil press gauge

 

I dont even remember what seal it was. I'll have to check the reciet when I get home.

I'll try changing up the oil, but I've never heard lifter sound this bad, ever. I mean it sounds like a farm tractor. But I will try going with a different type of oil.

 

could it be that your oil pump just died?

 

I was debating that, but it just seems like the oil pressure just hit a wall VERY fast. If the pump was going, I would think that it would be more of a drawn out process, but it is certainly possible that its the pump.

Update


I took off some of my piping from the turbine to the intercooler and there is oil inside off the pipes. Hardly any is actually in the pipes (doesn't even appear to be a coating) most of it is on the inside of the silicone couplers. I stuck a paper towel up the outlet of the turbo and there isn't any sign of oil.

WTF?

Could this be a cause of the oil pressure as well?

 

did you check the oil level?