Oil Filter Warning Light

[PaddyD]

I am not sure whether to post this in this section or electrical, I apologise if it's in the wrong place. I also put this on Facebook but haven't quite got to the bottom of it.

My oil filter warning light sometimes comes on. By this I mean it will be someway into a journey and only flicker, usually at low revs or while idling when it flicks on fully. A touch of acceleration and it goes out. I can't remember if this has only started since changing over to an alternator.

Just to clarify, according to my owners manual this is the oil filter warning light, not oil pressure warning light. It's the orange bulb near the 20mph, number 3 in the manual.

Oil and filter changed about 350 miles ago, so possible shorting or could it be something I did when swapping to the alternator? I am getting a bit of a metallic whirr/sound since changing to the alternator, could be related? I thought it was because it's a new alternator/belt but it hasn't got quieter.

Thanks

[greendefender123]

I dont know abit the light but the noise could be from the alternator fan catching. I had this on a new alternator from motor factors. I just bent a couple of fins out the way. Could be worth a check by spinning the alternator without the fan belt on. Hope this helps abit. Steve

[bmcecosse]

What you describe is low oil pressure - probably the warning lamps have been accidentally switched over at some point. An oil pressure gauge will tell all. Is the oil 20W50 - and is there plenty in the sump? The alternator noise may be due to poorly aligned pulleys - are they nicely in line ?

[PaddyD]

Thank you both, I'll take a look at the alternator to see if any things catching.

In regards to the light, if it's oil pressure is that a rebuild required? Gauge kits seem quite expensive but I'll try and get one asap.

[PaddyD]

edit: Just checked and it is the pressure light. I pulled the pressure switch and the light went out with ignition on so its been swapped.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

If the engine is going well and there arent any bad noises from the bottom end it could be that the switch is going faulty. Its certainly a cheaper fix to try first than a rebuild!!! Shouldnt cost more than a fiver for a new one.

[ManyMinors]

I agree with David. I've had a switch fail recently and I suspect that if it was really low oil pressure, major engine damage would have been obvious by now. Just get a new switch and try it

[PaddyD]

Thank you both, I came to the same conclusion last night. I think the light's been on for over a week and we've driven it (thinking it was a faulty filter light) with no bad engine sounds, seems as smooth as it usually is.
I've ordered the switch, should be here tomorrow, fingers crossed that solves it.
Pressure gauge ordered too for peace of mind.

[bmcecosse]

It's been flickering on and off - so it's not failed, but may be going on 'early'. A gauge is an essential to find out what's going on. I would try a set of big end shells - and make sure it has 20W50 oil - and is the support plate and spring present under the oil filter cartridge?

[smithskids]

You can fit the 22psi switch available from minispares or other suppliers, its a lot safer than the standard9psi one

[martin418]

and make sure the rubber o ring is in the filter sealing the plate to the bolt

[PaddyD]

Sorted!
Was the switch. Changed that over and no flickering light since.

Thanks for all your help!

[bmcecosse]

I still advise fitting an oil pressure gauge urgently.

[simmitc]

Of course, with just one gauge you will never know whether it is accurate or failing, so fit a second for safety. But then if you get different readings then you will never know which one is working and which one is wrong, so fit a third and take the average of the two most similar readings.

[bmcecosse]

That's a bit OTT - pretty sure the one gauge will be fine. The old switch was coming on and off - these switches don't usually change their switching point by much - so the new switch is not coming on, may mean it is 'just' ok. Hence the advice to fit a gauge, which may prevent a wrecked engine.....

[PaddyD]

Gauge is being delivered at some point this week so will fit as soon as.

[bmcecosse]

Good move !

[faversham999]

I once connected the oil light to the Dynamo light ,it went out then but I was selling the Car at auction