Green dashboard light.

Post by **iandromiskin** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 7:43 pm

Just back from a Paddy day parade nearby and on the way home the green light on the dashboard (oil light) turned itself on at a junction when the car was stationary and out of gear. I have previoulsy lost an engine before when this happened, but I can't remember if this is normal when the car is stationary for the green light to come on or not. I know it means low or non existant oil pressure but I can't remember if its normal for the light to come on when a car is stationary and idling ? The light would obviously go out when I pressed the accelerator peddle or when the car was moving.

I did stop within a mile and put some oil in and the light went out when stationary, but now the car is home the light is coming on again. The engine is obviously still hot so I have to wait a while before I can check the dip-stick but I just thought I throw it out there to see what you think ?

Post by **PSL184** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 7:50 pm

Its celebrating with you

Try doing an oil change first and see if it helps. As you say it is low oil presure which is below 4lbs/ft (I think) However, if the engine was worn so badly that that was the case I would expect to hear bearings rumbling so if you are happy that the engine is OK then it could just be the pressure relief valve that needs cleaning out and a new spring fitting.....

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 7:50 pm

Paddy Day Parade and green light - surely the connection is obvious ??

It indicates the oil pressure is miserably low - best thing really is to fit an oil pressure gauge and then you will know what's going on all the time ! It's not necessarily too worrying - but it does indicate some wear in the engine. Are you using 20W 50 oil ?? Maybe your idle speed is very low ? Perhaps the engine is running hot - do you have a high value thermostat in there ?

Post by **iandromiskin** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 8:13 pm

Paddys day and Green light

(Didn't get the connection).

Yeah the engine could be running hot as we were in a parade where we were at the back and had to constantly stop/start the engine every few minutes to avoid overheating, but we stopped off somewhere for a bite to eat for about an hour after so the engine should have cooled down a lot by then. I just went out to check the dip-stick and the oil is above the max level, but again the engine was still a bit warm so I'll try again later or tomorrow for a more accurate reading when the engine is totally cold and see.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 8:18 pm

As long as it's not far too low - the oil level makes no odds. Unlikely to be the relief valve - but a GAUGE is the answer!
But don't panic - as long as the light goes out as soon as you pick up the revs - that engine will run for a long time yet - as long as you don't thrash it!
You could drop the sump and fit new big-end shells, but to be honest - it's usually a waste of time/money, although it may keep the engine going for a while longer.

Post by **simmitc** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 8:26 pm

What model is the car? As standard, the 948 and 1098 cars had an amber oil pressure warning light; there was no green light in the speedo. It could be that you have a speedo from a mini, in which case the green light would be for indicators. In all cases, amber is for an oil problem (can also be a blocked filter on some cars), blue is high beam, and red is ignition.

99% of the time, odd behaviour from an oil pressure warning light is just a faulty switch, but you can't afford to take a chance. The best idea is to change the switch (simple and cheap). In your case, short the wire to earth and check which light comes on.
It sounds as though someone has done something odd with your wiring!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 8:30 pm

It 'could' be the switch - but only a gauge will tell you the real story!

Post by **iandromiskin** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:05 am

My car is a 1962 saloon. I think the gauge is standard ? - Blue is high beam, Red/Amber is ignition and Green is oil. I've lost one engine to ignoring the oil light before so I'm taking no chances at all.

The oil gauge sounds like a good idea. I must get one fitted when it goes for her next service soon.

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:56 am

Blue is high beam, Red/Amber is ignition and Green is oil.

Any chance of a pic of the speedo as mentioned it shouldnt have a green light in it the oil should be amber.

Post by **iandromiskin** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:21 am

I'll try and find one.

Post by **iandromiskin** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:26 am

Found one.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:29 pm

Perhaps Irish cars were fitted with green oil p light?