Oil problem.

  1. Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast
    #1
    So basically I have a 16v engine that was running in my mates car. Its been sat a while and I finally pulled my finger out and got it in my shell.

    The problem is my head is almost bone dry of oil an is very loud and tappy. The oil light isn't on and the loom/ sensors are correctly connected so surely id know if it was an oil pressure problem?

    What could this be and how would i go about rectifying the problem. I'm thinking at the moment either a gallery is blocked or oil pump knackerd. Which brings to my next question. With both cam covers off what holes are the oil galleries? Was thinking about blowing them through with an air line but want a second opinion on if it will cause any damage to the engine.

    Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Thanks for reading.

    Jason
  2. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 9100 Amazon green VTR 16v, Inferno RS clio 182
    #2
    How do you know the head is dry, have you run it with the cam covers off?
  3. Established Member Joined: Mar 2011 Birmingham Posts: 2148 Rover BRM, Rover 800 Coupe, Mk6 golf.
    #3
    From what i've heard the 16v can sound tappy anyway because of the hydraulic lifters? Sounds stupid, but im guessing you have checked the oil level on a flat surface?
  4. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2008 Birtley Posts: 22253 VTR Turbo, 106 xsi track slag, Transit recovery, B
    #4
    first thing is first...has it got enough oil in it?

    secondly..

    unplgug you coil pack

    and remove the oil pressure switch on the front of the block (its above the sump behind the exhasut mani.....crank the engine over a few times..it should shoot oil out..if it doesnt..then your pump is fucked

    id imagine the tappets are just dry from being sitting a while..
  5. Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast
    #5
    I haven't run it with the cam covers off because I wasn't sure if that was a good idea to be running an engine with a suspected oil problem. But there isn't oil in the head? Its damp on the cam lobes etc.. But surely where the head bolts are there would be pools of oil left over and stuff? Am I expecting more oil than there should be then?

    Jason
  6. Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast
    #6
    Yes it has just been serviced i.e. filter and new oil in up to the max level on a flat surface. Oil pressure switch is a green plug isnt it? If the tappets are dry do i need to re prime them?

    Jason
  7. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2008 Birtley Posts: 22253 VTR Turbo, 106 xsi track slag, Transit recovery, B
    #7
    its normally green yes..should have 1 wire with a spade connector on it

    from what ive seen, if theyre dry from sitting they normally sort themselves out after a short run..sometimes get worse..its just a lottery really.

    try the switch first and see if oil shoots out the hole..youll need a mate to wathc for it... but should be able to see the oil allover the place after a crank or two if your by yourself

    then report back
  8. Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast
    #8
    Will do this then report back. There are 2 sensors 1 has a spade on it the other has a green 2 pin plug so i shall that the spade one off and report back.

    Thanks

    Jason
  9. Infrequent Poster Joined: Jan 2012 Guernsey, channel islands Posts: 132 2007 civic type r gt 1997 saxo vts (now dead) 2001
    #9
    Was looking through the forum due to my tappets being quiet when cold then unbelievably loud when warm. After reading this I will check my oil pump
  10. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2008 Birtley Posts: 22253 VTR Turbo, 106 xsi track slag, Transit recovery, B
    #10
    one is oil level and one is oil pressure iirc?

    the oil level one will be like a dipstick when it comes out..and should point down into the sump if you get me?...the other one should face flat into the block..this is the one you want

    sure its the sinlge wire one but i cant remember lol
  11. Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast
    #11
    Yeah I've got it thanks for the help. So when I took it out and cranked it oil literally pissed out. While I was there I took the cam covers and started it. Cant see any oil getting to the top but not sure where I should be looking. Looks like oil pump is fine imo.

    Jason
  12. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2008 Birtley Posts: 22253 VTR Turbo, 106 xsi track slag, Transit recovery, B
    #12
    any cahnce you can get a vid of the head with the cam covers off and it running?
  13. Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast
    #13
    Should be able to mate. Both cam covers off and just on idle yeah? How do you upload a video to here?

    Jason
  14. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2008 Birtley Posts: 22253 VTR Turbo, 106 xsi track slag, Transit recovery, B
    #14
    use photobucket or if you have iphone..use tapatalk

    try get nice clear close ups inside the head..
  15. Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast
    #15


    Does this work? and is the video good enough? The reason for smoke is oil on my manifold.

    Edit: The oil splatter is where me n my Grandad poured oil over the camshafts to see if it would quitten down my tappets. It did not.


    Jason
  16. Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2009 Totland, Isle of wight Posts: 528 Saxo Westcoast
    #16
    Anyone got an idea as to what is happening?

    Jason