Oil Pressure problems...

[bimmerjo]

well.... after much frustration and and hitting my head on a wall, I found out why my car takes so long to build pressure (on average of almost 15 seconds) after its been sitting for more than a couple hours....


On some models, the return valve in the oil filter housing fails with time, thus making oil run out after stopping the engine, instead of keeping it in the housing. While not a critical problem, it results in the engine needing up to five seconds to build up proper oil pressure upon engine start. BMW replaced the oil filter housing with a more durable valve around 1991.

so.... Anybody have "the good one"? :)

[av8r4aa]

My car took almost 30 seconds for the light to go out.
I did a couple of simple things and it now goes out in 3 seconds.

Look up the modification on Big coupe about the "oil spray bar"
it will require some very basic tools and a set of new bolts and some crush washers.
Very simple job with pictures and description.
Also, change out your oil pressure sender, they go bad, get the BMW factory
sender if possible.
Thirdly, change the oil and filter.
I use 15/50 Mobil 1 oil. It is perfect for my part of the world.

I did those items and now feel very confidant that the oil system is tight.

[pldlnr]

My car took almost 30 seconds for the light to go out.
I did a couple of simple things and it now goes out in 3 seconds.

Look up the modification on Big coupe about the "oil spray bar"
it will require some very basic tools and a set of new bolts and some crush washers.
Very simple job with pictures and description.
Also, change out your oil pressure sender, they go bad, get the BMW factory
sender if possible.
Thirdly, change the oil and filter.
I use 15/50 Mobil 1 oil. It is perfect for my part of the world.

I did those items and now feel very confidant that the oil system is tight.

Your cars have a different oil filter housing and do not suffer from the issue the O.P. is describing. The b35 powered cars have a different oil filter housing that is prone to drain back valve failure. I went through this on an e34 535i. The only solution I am aware of is replacing the housing.

If you are so enclined, you could hook up an actual pressure gauge to measure pressure at cold start. You could replace the sender, as previosuly mentioned, and make sure you are running 20w-50 in spring, summer, and fall. Since you are in a cold winter climate, you could run 10w-40 in the winter.

Try all of the cheaper things to see if it helps, but my guess is the housing needs to be replaced.

[bimmerjo]

If you are so enclined, you could hook up an actual pressure gauge to measure pressure at cold start. You could replace the sender, as previosuly mentioned, and make sure you are running 20w-50 in spring, summer, and fall. Since you are in a cold winter climate, you could run 10w-40 in the winter.

This is exactly what I do. I've got a gauge, I just haven't hooked it up yet. becaue I don't have the correct fitting for the block yet.

[oxen]

when you get a fitting can you post a part number or ware to get it please. also i hope you find a good solution to your problem.

[CW6er]

when you get a fitting can you post a part number or ware to get it please. also i hope you find a good solution to your problem.

You need a 12mm x 1.5 thread adapter with a crush or sealing washer, not the 12mm x 1.0 thread usually found, here is one example:

Do a google search for AutoMeter #2277 or find a local store that sells AutoMeter gauges here:
http://www.autometer.com/

AutoMeter #2277 - 12-1.5mm to 1/8" NPT:

http://www.autometer.com/img/products/2277_d.jpg