Hi there. Ive already booked in at the dealer, however there are a few things Id just like to ascertain from some more knowing types.

The situation is this:

Oil light usually alarms up within seconds of starting her up, it does go away after random durations after driving away, and after I had the oiil sump pan changed, the mech didnt really say anything was untoward execpt maybe the sensor is freaking.

Im not convinced especially on account of one time when I heard a clattering coming from what sounded like between the front wheels a bit futher back and at the bottom, which went away after 2 seconds or so (not sure if this is engine oil related, it had a bad previous owner so it could be something else). The oil isnt black or dark on the dipstick, so hopefully theres no grind going on inside the engine.

It could be me (might be paranoia altering my perception), but it seems that the engine sounds like its revving higher than the meter indicates when I drive, sort of like there may be some friction going on inside the engine.

Does this sound like the sensor may be out or should I not risk taking it out until next week?

Thanks for any opinions.

 

You can try a couple things to narrow it down. First, go pick up supplies for two oil changes and a can of Seafoam. Add half a can of Seafoam to the oil and let the car idle for 20 minutes. Change the oil and filter. Add the other half of the can, idle another 20 minutes, and drain the oil again. Remove the sensor from the pan (2-3 bolts and one harness), and see if it looks sludged up. Clean it up with electrical contact cleaner, let it dry, and reinstall it. Change the filter, add in new oil, and fire it up to see what happens.

Seafoam is used to keep oil sludge under control in the 1.8T. If you have a buildup, it may break it down. If you're still getting the flashing light and the noise, definitely get it looked at. If it sounds better and isn't flashing the light at you, you're making progress. I'd go 1000 miles or so (driving sanely), add another half can of Seafoam, go another 50 miles, and change the oil and filter one more time. You may be able to beat it this way.

 

To get a good idea of the pressure you really should buy a mechanical pressure gauge that can give you some numbers. The oil pressure switch is known for failure as is sludge.

 

sounds like a sludge problem to me. what are your oil temps?

 

Ill try your suggestions, thanks people. My verson is the 1995 2.6 V6 quattro, in case there is any nuances with that model.

Redline380, its just short of being in the mddle of the gauge.

 

i think they thought it was a 1.8t? valve cover gaskets are the main problem with the v6. my engine acted funny when my gaskets were shot. i only got the flashing light when going around a turn to fast. have you checked your oil lately?

 

Soz, I should have mentioned that, yea its the V6 Q. No it comes on randomly sometimes right after ignition and sometimes about 30 seconds later, then maybe once after that during drving. Its more usual after ignition and after I start moving. I did check the oil and no leaks, and its golden brown and the level is near the top of the crosshatchings.

This happened a little before I had the sump pan changed so I dont think there was a problem on account of the mechanic, but Im hearing noises that I might not be unusual because of my fretting over concern.

Im going to try the oil desludge maybe on thursday or friday when I can get some time off because it gets dark too quickly this time of year for me to do it after work.

 

Stupid question but do I put the seafoam into the fuel tank or straight into the engine cap?

 

oil temps in the middle of the gauge seem fairly high to me. mine usually doesnt get much past 150. sea foam can go usually just goes in the engine but not the oil cap. people will usually run a half bottle into the manifold.
B5 A4 1.8T: How-To Sea Foam

 

I checked the gauge, its 120 in the middle so on my needle indicator that would make it around 100 maybe 110 after shes warmed up normally.

Thanks for the seafoam link