a simple mechanical oil pressure gauge with a nice long hose would be a
dandy way to temporarily monitor the oil pressure while driving. just make
sure there are no leaks and that the hose is securely routed away from
engine hazards. sounds like a fun project. very curious to hear what you
find out.

dlk

On Thu, 8 Jan 2004 21:25:57 -0800, Ben S <phlogiston@ISPWEST.COM> wrote:

>well thanks for the advice everyone.  i do indeed have a 2.1 wbx, and it
>rolled over 120k miles just before the oil light last came on.  i know
>that it is about time to rebuild or replace this engine, but i'm hoping
>to wait until snowboarding season is over to do it since this is my only
>car and i can't very well ride my motorcycle to the mountain!
>
>the scenario posed in boston bob's article seems like a probable
>explanation: some bearing is wearing down, a clearance is increasing,
>and too much oil is escaping.  the only thing i don't understand is why
>this would be exacerbated by heavy engine load or high engine speed.  it
>seems to me that the oil pump is spinning faster at high engine speed
>and could more easily maintain output pressure at a high flow rate.
>
>i have heard people mention a high oil pressure sensor... does that also
>set off the light and buzzer?  could i actually be having excessive
>pressure?
>
>i guess in the end i just need an oil pressure gauge.  is it possible to
>install a sender for one in place of switch that drives the light?  i
>have also been thinking of switching to a full synthetic oil, but i'm
>afraid that my oil leakage/consumption will worsen.
>
>Ben.