RXN
Forum Newbie
Posts: 60
Age: 30
Loc: Edmonton area, Alberta
Reg: 11-11-10
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 04-18-12 10:58 AM - Post#2216527
1996 Cavalier, Auto, idling at 500rpm, (thinking idle is too low, should be more like 1000RPM???)
Oil light is on at idle, once RPM comes up and car is doing driving speeds the oil light turns off.
What would cause this??
I'm thinking idle is too low,
Causes of a low idle????
- Throttle cable streched?
- Intake Pluged?
- Plugs?? (was told runs smooth at highway speeds no lack in power, must be firing on all cylinders).
- Pluged catalitic converter?
Was told car idles smooth. just seems low.
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PAIN HEALS |
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YeniPenny
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 5597
Loc: Biloxi, Ms
Reg: 11-26-01
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04-18-12 11:33 AM - Post#2216535
In response to RXN
The oil light should never come on when the engine is running.
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RXN
Forum Newbie
Posts: 60
Age: 30
Loc: Edmonton area, Alberta
Reg: 11-11-10
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04-18-12 02:25 PM - Post#2216578
In response to YeniPenny
If the idle is too low, the pump won't be able to build the pressure required for pumping the oil, would it not?
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PAIN HEALS |
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YeniPenny
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 5597
Loc: Biloxi, Ms
Reg: 11-26-01
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04-18-12 02:50 PM - Post#2216590
In response to RXN
Refer to my first answer. Proper oil pressure should be 15+ pounds at idle...even a very low idle. If the pressure falls below about 5 pounds, the light will come on.
The oil pressure light is RED. That indicates a possible serious problem when it comes on regardless of engine speed. The red light does not have anything to do with idle speed.
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Maxbigblock
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2130
Age: 62
Loc: Flint, Michigan.
Reg: 12-16-01
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04-21-12 06:28 AM - Post#2217517
In response to YeniPenny
It might also be a problem with the gauge or sending unit. The first thing that I would do is to put a manual oil pressure gauge on it and verify the pressure at idle.
Max
I'm from the ONCE great city of Flint, Michigan. The birthplace of General Motors, where the first Corvettes were hand built. and where my 1955 Chevy was made.
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Chevytrknut
Forum Newbie
Posts: 3
Reg: 04-28-12
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04-28-12 03:25 PM - Post#2220021
In response to RXN
Like maxbig said sending unit or gauge is bad. If they are ok then you probably have bad cam, rod, or main bearings. An oil pump will make pressure with a slow drill. So your 500 rpm has nothing to do with it. My guess is you have a bad sending unit. As they do fail.
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rockfangd
Contributor
Posts: 584
Age: 27
Loc: Utica ny
Reg: 04-13-10
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05-13-12 08:50 PM - Post#2225649
In response to Chevytrknut
believe it or not the oil filter could be the cause of the problem.
I do not run fram in my northstars because at idle the oil pressure light comes on, but when driving it does not. found out that frams filters were not allowing enough pressure for the engines requirements.
just something to think about
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