JBH007

I was on my way down to Atlanta from Lexington KY in the 1984 911 3.2, cruising at about 80 the whole way, came to a dead stop at construction about 70mi from Atlanta and the light came on, as soon as the rpms went back up it went off though. Came on a couple times in the burbs. I checked oil level and it was fine, and it has not come back on since that night. What could be going on, It seems I have good pressure 1000k=1 bar. Have to drive back home and a bit worried, Any suggestions???
Thanks,
James Hirsh

addictionms

James,

That light comes on when the oil pressure get low, my guess is your car was hot from the drive, and as a result your pressure was lower than you had seen before. It should rarely come on, and never at speed, but if it flickers at idle, you are likely Ok.

Keep an eye on your oil pressure at idle and see where it sits.

Jim

John D.

Hi James,

Jim is right on target... You may want to try a different viscosity oil for the warmer weather. I don't know what you are running - but in summers, I go to 20-50, and even so, will see the light come on if it is really warm out and I've been cruising on the highway (or the track)...

What are you running for oil???

HTH!

pjc

James,

How many miles has the 3.2 done? A standard procedure on an engine rebuild is to refurb the oil pump - viscosity may be the problem but runing at 80 mph cooling should be fine? (of course I can only relate to UK conditions) If the engine has high mileage it could be the pump is a little worn - this plus potential oil thinning could have caused it. Just an idea.

PJC

JBH007

Im running 20w50 and it was not incredibly hot out. The light was only at idle and not consistant, is it possibly the sensor? engine is strong with only 45-50k on it.
Thanks,
James Hirsh

addictionms

you might also check for oil around the back of the motor on the top, the oil pressure sensors are known to "pop" and the oil will leak out the top, they are not too expensive, so you might just get a new one, should be under $20USD

Jim

sturlaj

I've got the same problem with my 84 carrera, just a bit worse. Mye oil light comes on at 2-3 bar pressure (wich is not normal). I've ordered a new pressure switch (which is located on the front of the engine. It is red, you can't miss it) for the problem.

I hope this will fix the problem since i'm currently driving with the red light on (when the engine is hot). If not, wops!

MRFLATSIX

I wouldn't worry about a flickering idiot light at idle, it's oil pressure at driving speed that counts. You should have a minimum of 10 lbs x 1000 rpms. 50 lbs at 5000 rpms when fully warm should be fine. I'd stick with the 20-50 oil.

Hugh R

On Pelicanparts.com there was much discussion about an oil line bushing (the lines from the block to the cams) that was smaller that helped keep the not idle oil pressure up by about 0.5 bar. I put them in my 84 Targa and it seemed to help raise the hot idle oil pressure. The cost was about $6-8 for each and they take about ten minutes to install.

dial911

Porsche has stated in owners manuals, that a flickering oil pressure light (at idle) is 'normal' under certain conditions.
Having said that, this has never occured in my car, in any driving condition.
Hot, my engine has always had 1 bar at 950 rpm idle speed.

Jim @ EuroWerks

I remember seeing the light flickering statement in early owners manuals, but not later 3.2s. If it where reading 2-3 bar, I would replace the switch.If this only happened once you drove the car really hard for a long time, I wouldnt sweat that either.

Drew Theodore

Check to see if you have a new oil leak in front of the engine. It may just be the size of a dime. If you do the probelm is probably the oil light switch. Its an easy fix if you have long skinny arms. If you dont, find somebody who does.