Re: ENGINE OIL PRES (archive)

Ron,
There has been a lot of speculation as to why this
occurs...there is a simple test that Adnan from
the E-34 concocted that will address whether your low oil pressure problem is sensor related or drain down in your cannister. After letting the car sit over night, in the morning before starting
it, remove the oil cannister lid (center bolt). If
there is no presence of oil in the cannister the
unilateral check ball valve in the base of the
cannister is now operating bi-laterally causing drain down of the oil bath from the cannister into the crankcase. The gravity of the oil bath in the cannister is overcoming the strength of the valve. BMW completely redesigned the cannister check valve to make it more robust...changed plastic star valve to steel check valve design. Here's the bizzare part..for me anyway...Adnan replaced his cannister and it resolved his problem...I followed suit, purchased a new cannister and my oil pump would not push past the more robust check valve in the new cannister...in other words...no oil to the motor now...not good. Just removed the front crossmember and have the engine up right now and will be replacing the oil pump shortly to see if the new pump will overcome the stouter valve
(in both directions) of the new cannister design.
Will post to the board accordingly.
Good luck,
George
90 735il/145K

Hi...My car starts to blink on each time I start the car.
It says on the screen: ENGINE OIL PRES, OWNER MANUAL. Anyone have this problem and know what's wrong with it? Thanks!
Ron

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ 7-series (E32) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.