Oil Pressure Warning Light

[Mike Molloy]

The OP gauge on my 2002 Academy car (1.6K, anti-cav tank) has recently started playing up (needle leaping up and down like a thing posessed). I checked the connections, but it seems the sender unit is at fault. As this is supposed to be a race car, I fancy a big bright OP warning light on the dash.

 

Can anyone advise:

a) Is sender failure (as described) common?

b) Should I expect a reduction in OP when the engine is subjected to track-stress rather than normal road use (running on 5W-40 full synth)? What are the tangible symptoms of oil starvation damage?

c) Will the Caterham warning light kit fit with the anti-cav tank and gauge sender? Any tips on fitting? The sender should be a warranty item.

d) What pressure should a track-use based warning light come on at (for a K-Series)?

 

Ta.

 

Mike.

 

 

[shn7]

Mike,

 

Can anyone advise:

a) Is sender failure (as described) common?

Yes, and quick/easy to change. Can even be done without draining. Definitely first thing to try.

 

b) Should I expect a reduction in OP when the engine is subjected to track-stress rather than normal road use (running on 5W-40 full synth)? What are the tangible symptoms of oil starvation damage?

Pressure will reduce with temperature. So track use will most likely see a drop. My 2001 Academy car when hot at tickover would hover just above the red. Under load expect about 4 bar warm/hot, 5-6 cold.

 

c) Will the Caterham warning light kit fit with the anti-cav tank and gauge sender? Any tips on fitting? The sender should be a warranty item.

Pass.....

d) What pressure should a track-use based warning light come on at (for a K-Series)?

As c).

 

Hope that's some help.

 

ps. Wanna buy a thick std. track front a/r bar. Can't recall the diameter but it's the one with green bushes. IIRC the thiickest permitted for the Academy runners. Can ship if required. Now surplus as I've just sold the car.

 

[stevefoster]

See here for info on my homemade high intensity LED lights...

 

http://mysite.freeserve.com/Caterham_DIY/

 

Under LED's

 

I got my pressure switch from Think Automotive... very helpful indeed. I went for a 35psi one...

 

 

Steve

My racing pics here

Hants (North) and Berkshire area club site

here

 

[shn7]

Just another thought. Have you checked the Academy regs. to ensure this is permitted. Can't recall anything from last year that would preclude it but always best to check first.

 

Steve.