So my DD Forester, 230k miles on original engine, I've only had it about a month. Just noticed in the last couple of days that the oil light comes on every now and again if I make a harder stop. Oil level is normal, I just changed it 2 weeks ago. Oil pump is not seeping anything (Not to say the backing plate hasn't come loose inside), and the engine actually doesn't leak or seep ANY oil from what I can tell so far. I need to hook up my oil pressure gauge and see what she looks like at idle on up I guess.

Any ideas? I'm hoping it's a wonky sensor or something, but I'm leaning towards pulling the oil pump and seeing what I find inside.

Edited August 19, 201312 yr by cal_look_zero

I am thinking your oil pressure is going to be low because of engine wear at 230K miles. Try going to a heavier weight oil, like 10W-40W, or 20W-50W, could be a cheap fix the problem. However, if you live in the cold in the winter, then 20W-50W should not be used at low temps.

I am thinking your oil pressure is going to be low because of engine wear at 230K miles. Try going to a heavier weight oil, like 10W-40W, or 20W-50W, could be a cheap fix the problem. However, if you live in the cold in the winter, then 20W-50W should not be used at low temps.

 

I already run 15w40 Rotella T year round. I've had a couple 300k+ Ej cars that didn't flicker the oil light. I saw nothing in the oil when i changed it to indicate bearing failure or anything, so I guess I'll just gauge it to make sure everything is good, and run it from there.

Backing plate on the oil pump.

 

dig it out and tighten/reseal it now before it gets worse and flickers at idle or even a low cruise.

Backing plate on the oil pump.

 

dig it out and tighten/reseal it now before it gets worse and flickers at idle or even a low cruise.

 

This is what I was thinking/hoping against. I have a good 10mm I'll probably throw on there in it's place. Damned phillips head screws.

Maybe the pickup tube is cracked. Worth inspecting

Wiring for the pressure switch is easy to check. The insulation could have rubbed through against the bracket for the alternator/steering pump.

 

If the pump and sensor check out, pull the pan and check the pickup and screen.