Don777

I started my car this morning (W124 E320). It hadn't run for about a week and was quite rough for about 3 secs (like it was running on less cylinders)and then settled down to a smooth quiet idle.
I got in and after a 100 yards I noticed there was no oil pressure at all. There was no oil under where the car was parked and none around the engine block. The oil level was low but not empty.
When the ignition is switched on the needle doesn't budge. My questions:
1] Should the needle move when the ignition is switched on, like a check or something?
2] Could it be something simple like the sender?
3] If it is the sender, is it an average diy job?

Thanks
Don.

ashman

my needles soemtimes stick. I give a rap on the dashboard or the cluster in front of the needle and it starts to move again. I think for me it is simply caused by heat in the car witht he car sitting for a while.

Have you tried that?

Make sure the oil level is inbetween the min and max makrs ont he dipstick and oil levels hould be fine.

Roughness after sitting doesn;t sound like an issue if it smoothed out.

I am thinking the needle is just stuck. a little knock ont he dash should hopefully get it moving again if it is like my needle.

I do not think it jumps when key is turned on.

Alon

Don777

Thanks Alon, should have done that but I was so late for the airport I didn't hang around too long.
I'm not at home at the moment but rest assured i'll be giving the dash a big knock!

lkchris

If oil pressure is really zero, the engine will make a bunch of noise ... for as long as it runs, that is.

mhorn

If you're really concerned, take the oil cap off with the engine running. rev it a couple of times and you will see if there is oil getting to the top end. More than likely a bad sender unit or a short in the cluster wiring. Mine has gotten kind of "sticky" and likes to jump instead of moving up and down smoothly.

Don777

Can anyone guide me from the oil filter to the pressure sensor? Can it be reached from the top of the engine or do I need to jack it up? A photo would be great if possible. Thanks.

Don777

I can't get to it (well what I think is it) from above, there's no way I can get my hand past the filter, manifold and all the A/C pipes. Tried jacking it up but couldn't get to it from underneath either Has anyone got a photo of what the sensor looks like.....and how I can get at it.....please!!

bamberger_1

Normally the oil pressure goes to 3 bars when the engine starts, since cold oil will increase the pressure. During driving the oil temp. rises to operation temp. which can cause the oil pressure go down to > 1.0 bar during idle. @ >1,500 RPM it shall be 3 bar again.
Before you look for the sensor check the connections behind the cluster, there are some connectors to feed the electronics there.

Don777

I managed to persuade my other half to get her arm in there and give the wire and sensor a wiggle. It worked. The oil pressure is now back to 3 bar...phew.
By the way when you switch the ignition on the oil pressure needle lifts slightly off the stop.
Thanks for all your help.

GSbeto

I have low reading oil pressure too, Bad sender unit. Wheres this thing located at?
Thank in advance

Lou.