Wildly fluctuating oil pressure

[Shaun_E]

This weekend the oil pressure on my 1997 Superlight (1.6SS K series) started to fluctuate wildly at motorway speeds from a normal 50psi to 200psi or higher . I am hoping that it is just the pressure sender that has failed and will replace it this week (it is a Stack unit).

Over the last few weeks the hot idle oil pressure has been dropping to a very low 15 psi which is a little worrying but again that could be the sender.

 

My question is:

Is it possible that the sender is fine and these are symptoms of a serious engine problem? Is it possible to get oil pressures or 200psi - could there be a problem with the OP relief valve? Would a low hot idle oil pressure be indicative of worn bearings - if so which ones?

 

I will report back once the sender has been replaced but would like to be prepared in case the sender is OK.

 

Yellow SL #32

[Paul Formston]

Hi Shaun low idle oil pressure could mean worn bearings, but from what you have said about the oil pressure fluctuating it sounds like the sender, mine went a couple of weeks back it had only done 1,000 miles claimed A new one from caterham. Regards Paul

[F355GTS]

Shaun

 

The Stack senders are VDO units and around £50 from Caterham and others however if you talk to Merlin motorsport they can supply you a VDO one for around £30

 

Mark