1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Oil Light Coming on and Off, HELP!

Discussion in 'Subaru Sambar' started by TheFatGuido, Apr 16, 2018.

  1. TheFatGuido

    TheFatGuido New Member

    Hey everyone,

    So two weeks ago I decided it was time to do my timing belt. This is where it all went wrong haha. Let me give you a bit of backstory on the truck.

    29K on clock, very mint truck, had it for about a year with no problems. Only did timing because It seems to be a common thing everyone does on these due to their age. Personally I only have worked on motorcycles so this is new territory for me and I am just a hobbyist.

    Anyway, I did the timing belt, water pump, tensioner and camshaft seal. Truck starts up and I take it about 2 miles, felt laggy and just harder to get going. Oil light comes and I freak out. I get home and do an oil change, have plenty and it still comes on. I realize at this point I definitely have to open truck back up.

    I dont drive ti for a week and the next weekend I go back in. I change seal again because I was in about 2centimeters and not complely flush. Timing seems way better and truck is running great. I drive to work today and after about 10 minutes (once engine is at temp) the light flickers back on. This happened after a stop and it gets worse and worse till its on without blinking. So the question is: what did I break haha. Here are my theories:

    1. I used 5W 30 and my sticker says it needs 10W 30 and that is affecting it?

    2. My sensor is bad all of a sudden?

    3. The seal is causing an issue in some way, although I checked it does not seem to be leaking.

    4. I have always had a small oil leak from lower section of engine, could that suddenly cause pressure loss?

    5.Insert any radom theory.

    Anyway, some sort of insight would be super appreciated. I don't want to be the one to ruin this truck, it lasted this long in beautiful shape. Thanks for reading my dumb story.

    Cheers,
    Zach
    NYC
     
  2. fmartin_gila

    fmartin_gila Well-Known Member

    To know what is actually going on, you need to temporarily install a gauge where the sender is. This will let you know if you have a funky sender, wiring problem, or actually do have something wrong with the engine.

    Fred
     
  3. TheFatGuido

    TheFatGuido New Member

    Ok so I have to look for a gauge! good step thank you
     
  4. Maximal

    Maximal Active Member

    the lower section leak is a leak ive had on every Sambar ive owned, the cam seal seems to love to leak no matter what on these. i run 5w-30 in winter and 15w-40 in summer and never have had an issue

    hook up a manual oil pressure gauge but 95% i would say its just a wonky old oil pressure switch
     
  5. TheFatGuido

    TheFatGuido New Member

    Thank you Maximal. Any idea where to purchase the old oil pressure switch?
     
  6. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    Oil pressure switches are pretty standard, you just need to match the threads. I’d start at the nearest NAPA, with the old one in hand.
     
  7. Maximal

    Maximal Active Member

    yeah try and see if napa can match it. if not you can just get a generic aftermarket oil gauge and put it in the place of the OEM one. you would still get the dash dummy light unless you pull the bulb from it
     

Share This Page