oil light

[green123]

hello i have a morris minor and on the speedo only the igntion light comes on when i turn the key to start it and no other light works should i worry about the oil light i have an oil pressure gauge fitted so will it matter many thanks

[bmcecosse]

If the oil pressure gauge has been fitted in place of the switch (ie no T piece used) then obviously there will be no light....... As long as the pressure is good -and you keep an eye on it ! It will be fine.

[green123]

it has the t piece adapter and still dosent work

[bmcecosse]

Pull the wire off the switch and touch it to the engine block - does the light come on ?

[green123]

hello no it does not light up and check the bulb and they all work taking bulb out and testing

[MarkyB]

You checked the bulbs and they are all working?
What colour is the wire to the switch?

[bmcecosse]

If the bulb is ok - and it doesn't light up when you ground out the switch - there must be a wiring fault. You will just have to trace it. There should be green wire to the light live at 12 volts - and then green/yellow earths and completes the circuit through the switch - or when you touch it to the block. That green wire - means it is fused...... I assume other bits and bobs from that fuse are all working ok ???

[green123]

i dont think i will bother as i have a oil pressure gauge i remember it working when i fist got the car but i will leave it for time being thanks anyway

[kennatt]

not sure I would be happy with just the guage,unless you are constantly glancing down at it,hard to concentrate on the road infront these days without having to do that.whereas a light that comes on when the pressure drops below,5lbs will be seen as you glace at the speedo,probably instatly at night.I once had an avenger with an aftermarket guage and no warning light,On the motor way the first thing I knew was when I heard a rattle,and looked at the guage to see no pressure,the pipe had blown off the engine and pumped all the oil out. It was at night and I think I may have seen a light and stopped before the engine was totally wrecked. I would get it sorted If it was mine.

[bmcecosse]

If the 5 psi light comes on when you are driving - it's already too late.....the bearings are gone. It's surprising how you will notice a gauge reading 'wrong' - obviously best if it can be in line of sight. But the purpose of a gauge is to show trends - and so a steady decline will be noticed and action taken before it gets to the 'light' stage ! It v unusual for the oil pressure to suddenly disappear - I have had it happen , when an oil cooler hose let go..... the mess is unbelievable!

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

PLEASE get your lamp fixed - it really isn't hard. I was on the motorway when the death knell sounded in the 803: 'HAMMER HAMMER HAMMER' with gauge falling steadily all the time. Terrifying when the hard shoulder was completely blocked off for about a mile due to roadworks - still the little car soldiered on and on for ages with the oil lamp glowing as bright as when you switch the ign. on.

The oil warning lamp superseded the oil pressure gauge for a good reason - it is more noticable and it may save you the cost of an engine overhaul (though not with knackered big ends).

[bmcecosse]

On performance engines - the switch is uprated to ~ 25 psi, and the light is uprated to a bee-hive orange light (ie Traveller rear flasher lamp) in the middle of the dash. No missing that when it comes on.... But slightly annoying at night when it flashes brightly as you throw the car round an uphill hairpin bend......

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

But slightly annoying at night when it flashes brightly as you throw the car round an uphill hairpin bend......

Are you referring to your old TR7?

[bmcecosse]

Hahahahaha -fraid not - rally 1275 Riley Elf Cooper S I had at one time..... Never so sorry to see a car sold........

[kennatt]

like I said wouldn't be happy with JUST the guage.