1976 Toyota Crown 4M Engine - Oil Light

[thor]

Just this past fortnight I have noticed that when I sit stationary at the lights etc at low revs my "oil warning light" comes on or flickers. The dip stick shows a perfect amount of oil in the sump and I did a full change and filter change only 4 weeks ago and have changed it every 4 months since I bought the Crown, I have no experience and have never touched the oil cooling system though.

Does anyone know the reason for this or have in the past experienced this problem and found a solution?

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thor

[GT1978]

What viscosity oil did you put in? It maybe too low for an engine with that many years behind her.

Glen

[pandaah]

-faulty oil pressure switch (stick an oil pressure gauge tool in there to check oil pressure)
-oil pick up strainer is 50% or more gunked up
-oil pump is worn
-oil pressure relief valve is stuck, worn or spring is weak
-engine bearings are worn
-engine oil galleries are a little bit blocked with gunk

like said above, what visc oil did you use?..

[thor]

I've always used castrol 20w50 the only reason is it says on the label it's suitable for older engines, could there be a more suitable oil?
I have the car booked in at my mechanic next week to look at the idler arm bushes I'll ask him if he can see anything wrong with some of the other things you mentioned Pandaah and I'll check the oil pressure tonight.

[allencr]

...could there be a more suitable oil?

No.

[thor]

I'd seen this Castrol Classic XL 20w50 oil (see link) but it was more rare and expensive than liquid gold, it also didn’t claim to do anything the standard 5ltr $25 Castrol from any auto shop anywhere couldn’t do.

Engine Oil and Lubricants Castrol UK - CLASSIC ENGINE OILS

[GT1978]

I'd seen this Castrol Classic XL 20w50 oil (see link) but it was more rare and expensive than liquid gold, it also didn’t claim to do anything the standard 5ltr $25 Castrol from any auto shop anywhere couldn’t do.

Engine Oil and Lubricants Castrol UK - CLASSIC ENGINE OILS

Check out the GP50 for pre 1950 performance cars. SAE 50 monograde. Those pre 1950 performance cars must have some tight tollerances

Glen

[pandaah]

your run of the mill castrol gtx 20w50 is fine in this situation, cheap to replace often and does the job well.. if you have to use thicker than that then its just a blanket for your problems, good luck and keen to help further..