87 Maxima-Flashing OIL CAN

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Dave_s - 23 Mar 2006 02:22 GMT

The water temp gauge has a 'oil can' symbol that is flashing mostly when
engine idles but sometimes when driving. I think this 'flashing' is
indicating very low or zero oil pressure. The engine runs and sounds OK,
plenty of power, no knocks, not like an engine sounds that is running
without oil. Has plenty crankcase oil. Never uses any cranckcase oil.

Can the 'oil pressure sensor' be bad and engine and oil pump system is
really OK? Car has 70K miles and runs OK.

After market oil pressure sensor costs $70. What is my risk, if I do not
change the sensor, and I check oil level often as I do now? Can a
junkyard part be used if cost is much less?

Is the sensor difficult to replace myself? Can bad wiring cause good
sensor to appear bad? Do 87 MAXIMA have any history of oil pressure
sensor troubles?

Thanks, Dave_s

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Gordon reeder - 23 Mar 2006 03:39 GMT

Dave_s <group78@dslextreme.com> wrote in news:1223u33q2kn9mb0
@corp.supernews.com:

> The water temp gauge has a 'oil can' symbol that is flashing mostly when
> engine idles but sometimes when driving. I think this 'flashing' is
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Thanks, Dave_s

Just because you have oil in the crankcase doesn't mean your
engine is protected. The oil presure indicator tells you
that you have insufficient oil pressure. This could be caused
by a worn oil pump and maybe a clogged filter. Open the oil
fill cap on top of the engine while it's running and see if there
is oil on and around the cam shaft.

Of course it could also be a problem with the sensor or the sensor
wireing.

Reply to this Message

JimV - 23 Mar 2006 04:12 GMT

The first thing to do is measure the actual oil pressure or replace the
sending unit.

> Dave_s <group78@dslextreme.com> wrote in news:1223u33q2kn9mb0
> @corp.supernews.com:
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> Of course it could also be a problem with the sensor or the sensor
> wireing.

Reply to this Message

Steve T - 23 Mar 2006 06:40 GMT

> Can the 'oil pressure sensor' be bad and engine and oil pump system is
> really OK?

Yes and it is a comon problem for the sensor to fail.

Signature

Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

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NissTech - 24 Mar 2006 03:07 GMT

Agreed, It probably has the original sensor on it from 87.

replace the OPS (oil pressure switch) with a NEW part not one from a junk
yard.

Yes , they can be a problem coming off, be prepared to bust your knuckles

> > Can the 'oil pressure sensor' be bad and engine and oil pump system is
> > really OK?
>
> Yes and it is a comon problem for the sensor to fail.

Reply to this Message

Dave_s - 24 Mar 2006 03:57 GMT

> Agreed, It probably has the original sensor on it from 87.

Yes, is original unit.

> replace the OPS (oil pressure switch) with a NEW part not one from a junk
> yard.

    Called these sources for the OIL PRESSURE SENDER SIWTCH.
    Miller Nissan $72
    Kragen Auto $43
    NAPA Auto $64
    AUTOZONE $42

    Each assured me they are selling me "new" units.
    Which of these are the safest to buy?
    Why is there such a large price variation?

    Are some units in this list possibly rebuilt?

    Thanks, Dave_s

Reply to this Message

njmodi - 24 Mar 2006 04:58 GMT

Safest would be the dealer part. Try www.courtesyparts.com. It's a
wholesale nissan parts dealer based out of TX. They have great prices
on original Nissan parts and will ship the part to you (assuming you
don't mind waiting a few days).

Cheers,
Nirav

Reply to this Message

AS - 24 Mar 2006 21:02 GMT

You can also try 1stnissanparts.com, a Nissan dealer out of washington
state. Chris is great.

My experience with courtesy has not been that great lately.

>> Agreed, It probably has the original sensor on it from 87.
>
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
>

Reply to this Message

Steve T - 26 Mar 2006 09:15 GMT

>> Agreed, It probably has the original sensor on it from 87.
>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> Each assured me they are selling me "new" units.
> Which of these are the safest to buy?

Dealer.

> Why is there such a large price variation?

Variations in the quality.

Signature

Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

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