Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper S Oil issues

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by WolfGTI, Apr 15, 2010.

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  1. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

    May 21, 2009
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    So on my drive to work today - the oil light comes on for a sec. I stop check the oil level - it was a touch low - but nothing I would even worry about.

    After sitting all day the car starts fine no oil light, I pick up my daughter and I am literally 2 blocks from home when the light comes on and goes off again. I get home and check the oil level again, I add some oil to top it up.

    I take the car for a block and the oil light comes on permanently. So I get home, check the oil again - it is fine. I let the car sit for about 30 mins. I start it up again - no oil light, then after idling for about 4 mins the oil light is stuck on again.

    So is my oil pump going or is my oil pressure switch going? I am calling Eric @ Helix to discuss tomorrow.
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Any codes?
     
  3. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

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    Sorry - I should have posted that.
    There are no codes - I checked twice.
     
  4. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    I'm going to take oil pressure sensor in the "Whats Bjorked" pool.
     
  5. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

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    A oil pump failure has no direct code
    Because you mention no engine noise specifically from the valve train....
    Nathan gets the guess the problem prize!!!
     
  6. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

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    There has been no change in the engine sound, I opened the hood and listened and there is no clattering or knocking. I really hope it's the sensor.
     
  7. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

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    The only other slight possibility would be if the oil filter mount assembly internal bypass valve was sticking. But this would be very rare?
     
  8. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

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    More or less rare than the oil pressure sensor ?? Are the sensors known to be a problem in our cars?
     
  9. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

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    Ok - so I went to the dealer - bought a new sensor - $12.75. I also bought a couple oil filters and some oil while I was there.

    I changed the oil and filter. The car had not been started since yesterday @ 5pm. I drove it once I changed the oil. The total drive was approximately 4 miles. At mile 3 - the light flashes a couple times, then by the time I am on my street it goes solid. Again no change in sound in the motor, no increase in heat.
    I am really hoping it's the sensor - as it seems to occur after the oil has heated up - maybe the sensor thinks it has too little pressure? Anyways next up - sensor replacement.
     
  10. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    It sure sounds like the sensor is the problem. If you really had no oil pressure you would be telling us about a totally new noise coming from your bonnet.
     
  11. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Along with some very unpleasant noises emanating from WolfGTI.
     
  12. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

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    Just in case - I've already started looking at motors.
    What worries me is Dragon is barely 2 weeks away. I don't want this problem of oil lights hanging over me with a 16 hour drive looming.
     
  13. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

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    Ok - changed the oil sensor today.
    After a 20 mile trip no light yet. Hopefully it is solved - I think my next mod is oil pressure and temp gauges.
    Thanks for the input.
     
  14. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

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    Put another 50 miles on - no oil light - still keeping fingers crossed.
     
  15. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Well here's your new problem. With all the work out you were giving that little oil light, make sure it didn't burn out. LOL
     
  16. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

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    Nah - the light still lights if I put turn the key to the 'ON' position. It goes off once the car starts and oil starts to move.
     
  17. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    Oil pressure switch failures

    are pretty common across all car platforms. At $12.75 they are making money on them, so they really are a cheap part. Typically they leak a bit or a spring or diaphram goes, and they fire at lower pressure than they should, then they permanantly go on the fritz.

    Matt
     
  18. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

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    Agreed - a cheep part and easy fix, it was just a little disconcerting having an oil light flash. I have owned several cars before this one (from being brand new) - both Japanese and European, a couple of them have gone past the 100,000 mile mark with me and one even went close to the 250,000 mark. I never experienced oil sensor failure before.
    That being said I still love the MINI. :D
     
  19. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    May 4, 2009
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    Glad this was an easy fix.

    Where is the sending unit located on the engine?
     
  20. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

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    It is located on the oil filter adapter. The best access to it is removing the passenger wheel and inner well. But small hands can get to it top side.
     

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