Kiteboarder Ken · Apr 28, 2023

1991 Defender 200tdi. I was driving home yesterday and noticed the oil warning light on. I cannot be certain how long it had been on but when I noticed it, I was about 1/2 mile from home so I drove it. I checked the oil and it was about a quart low. Not running hot. I waited until today and filled oil to proper level. Cranked her up and after a few seconds the light went out but then it came back on after just a few more seconds. I would like to put a mechanical pressure gauge on to confirm I am having pressure issues. How can I crank the motor without starting? Is there anything other than the oil pump that would cause this loss of pressure? I live in the states so I will have to order any parts so I want to properly diagnose so I can get everything I need at one time. Other than gaskets and a new pump, will I need something else assuming my pressure is still not there after putting a gauge on? Thank you very much for any help!

lynall · Apr 29, 2023

You want it running to check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge.

Always start with the simple things first, 1 new sender or confirm with mech gauge, 2 change the oil, 15/40 not synthetic./not semi synthetic, just plain old mineral oil, 3 have a google search for the o rings at the vac pump drive, they get hard and apparently cause loss of oil pressure, and 4 which I reckon is the real issue as on most old 200 is worn cam bearings.
If it is worn cam bearings 20/50 oil will keep it at bay for a while.

Doubt very much it is the oil pump itself at fault.

Kiteboarder Ken · Apr 29, 2023

Thanks for reply! I installed a mechanical gauge today and changed the oil. Pressure showing around 40psi at startup then as oil warmed it is showing 22psi at idle. Goes to 40 while driving. That should be adequate I would think-??

lynall · Apr 30, 2023

Kiteboarder Ken said:
Thanks for reply! I installed a mechanical gauge today and changed the oil. Pressure showing around 40psi at startup then as oil warmed it is showing 22psi at idle. Goes to 40 while driving. That should be adequate I would think-??

I would be happy with that, I think the oil switch comes on at something silly like 3 or 4 psi, basically to bloody late!

steve2286w · May 3, 2023

Oil pressure does drop when warm on the 200tdi

payydg · May 7, 2023

Kiteboarder Ken said:
1991 Defender 200tdi. I was driving home yesterday and noticed the oil warning light on. I cannot be certain how long it had been on but when I noticed it, I was about 1/2 mile from home so I drove it. I checked the oil and it was about a quart low. Not running hot. I waited until today and filled oil to proper level. Cranked her up and after a few seconds the light went out but then it came back on after just a few more seconds. I would like to put a mechanical pressure gauge on to confirm I am having pressure issues. How can I crank the motor without starting? Is there anything other than the oil pump that would cause this loss of pressure? I live in the states so I will have to order any parts so I want to properly diagnose so I can get everything I need at one time. Other than gaskets and a new pump, will I need something else assuming my pressure is still not there after putting a gauge on? Thank you very much for any help!

The oil pressure light comes on at some ridiculously low pressure. Agree with above. Check the sensor itself. If it’s a real low pressure then I almost guarantee it’s either the bottom end bearings that have worn or the cam bearings or probably both. The oil pump almost never fails so I doubt that’s the issue. The oil level can drop quite low on that engine before the light comes on so I doubt that’s the issue. Don’t run it until you’ve found the issue. How many miles has it done? Thicker oil is only a temporary fix.

payydg · May 7, 2023

Kiteboarder Ken said:
Thanks for reply! I installed a mechanical gauge today and changed the oil. Pressure showing around 40psi at startup then as oil warmed it is showing 22psi at idle. Goes to 40 while driving. That should be adequate I would think-??

Sorry missed this. Those numbers are entirely normal.

Kiteboarder Ken

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lynall

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Kiteboarder Ken

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lynall

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steve2286w

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payydg

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payydg

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