dbenzmaine Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 So my '87 BRAT had an issue yesterday. I started to drive it into town, made it about a quarter mile before noticing that the oil pressure gauge read zero even driving up a hill. Pulled over and shut it off. Checked my oil, and it wasn't low. Started it up again, reved the engine a few times, but the gauge stayed pinned to the floor. I would have towed it home with my tractor, but my whole place is snowed in a couple feet deep, and getting the tractor out would have taken a week, so i drove it back to my driveway taking it really easy. Just as i pulled in, i started hearing a squealing noise that i've never heard before. The oil pressure dummy light never turned on. I only noticed that the gauge wasn't reading. I know the gauge is notoriously unreliable, and the engine was still running fine, but the squeal in the last hundred yards is concerning. I just bought the car about a month ago with 158k on it, and i've driven it about 2,000 miles so far. Engine has run great, and i've had to add about a quart of oil every 1,000 miles to keep it full. I haven't changed the oil or filters yet (i love winter, but the snow is really getting in the way of my projects). Not sure what the prior owner was running, but i've been putting Royal Purple in since i bought it. I'm wondering if the detergents have loosened up some gunk and blocked some of the oil passages. My plan is to get it into my garage somehow in the next few days (gotta clear 100 feet of driveway first), and do some tests on the oil pump and sender. The "How to Keep Your Subaru Alive" book talks about pulling out your oil pump and doing repeated sprays of carb cleaner into the case. Anyone ever tried that before? Any other ideas on what might be up? I've never had an oil pump actually fail for me on one of these, but i guess it's possible. During the month that i've had it, the gauge on the dash has generally read high, especially with highway driving. It'll peg at 75 for the first half an hour before settling in a bit lower. Maybe the system was gunked up and forcing a higher pressure? Anyway, i'd love to hear any ideas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naked Buell Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 My Brat always read just under the red all the time and if it was just a bit lower, I was a little low on oil. If it started to squeal, it sound as if the oil pump is not pumping. They are really simple to pull off. 4, 10 mm bolts in the front if memory serves. I would pull it out and see whats going on. While it is out, you might want to throw another oil sender on it too. How cold is it? Was she warmed up all the way? Sounds like you got the right awesome oil in it, so check that oil pump. That is the heart of the engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbenzmaine Posted February 11, 2017 Author Share Posted February 11, 2017 Thanks for the reply. Glad to hear it's easy to pull off. I haven't had to do that job before. It's been cold here most of the winter, but it warmed up a few days ago, and on the day this happened it was probably in the high 30s. I had left it idling for a few minutes while shuffling cars around before starting to drive, and it was already starting to put out some heat when i pulled it out of the driveway. Not sure what the gauge was reading while it warmed up though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naked Buell Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 Well the temp isn't that cold. I was thinking like zero. I always let my cars fully warm up before driving. Better for them. Anyways, you don't even have to pull off the oil filter. I like to leave it on because once you have the 4 bolts out, you can use the filter to hang on to, to help pull it out. I usually turn it just a bit and then you can go back in forth, counter clockwise to clockwise and she usually comes right out. Then you should be able to grab the inners and turn it with your hand and if you can't, oil pump seized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbenzmaine Posted February 11, 2017 Author Share Posted February 11, 2017 Thanks! I love tips like that. Anything to save effort and knuckle skin is much appreciated! I'm hoping to get it up to my garage tomorrow or monday to see what's going on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbenzmaine Posted February 11, 2017 Author Share Posted February 11, 2017 I just noticed that you're in Washington. I actually bought this BRAT in Seattle last month. It was up on craigslist for a while. I was shocked to find one in such good shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naked Buell Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 Yeah I'm in Evans which is by Colville. I drive through Waterville when I go to the west side. Yes its cool you found one in good shape. I have an 85 Brat that I have lifted 4", I have a 2.2T in her and I haven't even started her yet. I have to finish plugging in the harness and small things but i can't wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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