Ghia V6 1996 Low Oil Pressure?

[frankTN]

Hello,

 

I have a GALAXY GHIA 2.8 V6, 1996 model, with just over 200 000km on the clock.

I bought it 3 years ago as it appeared to be in excellent condition overall. (I'm in Norway, and I just learned that a mere 2 cars with this engine have been sold in my, rather densely populated, county...)

 

2 years ago a drive belt broke, and the engine overheated slightly on the motorway (the red warning lamp came on for about 20 seconds before I could stop, the fans brought the temp to within normal rather quickly after standstill though...)

 

6 months ago it developed (gradually over a week) a terrible rattling noise, which went on for 2-3 seconds after starting from cold. First, they changed the plugs and the leads, and the lambda sensor was also replaced. This only improved fuel consumption (considerably). I then took it to the dealer where I bought it, and they diagnosed it, with the help of a WV dealer, as being a broken chain tenstioner. This was replaced for a considerable amount of cash. The noise was then completely gone, and the compression was fine on all six cylinders (the readings were attached to my bill) and it generally felt like a new car...

 

6 weeks ago I noticed that the rattling noise started to come back ever so gradually over a 2 week period. Eventually, I did not dare to drive it, and I was going on a 2 week business trip anyways. When I returned, I decided to bring the car to the dealer for a new checkup, and lo and behold! After a 2 weeks standstill the noise was completely gone! But of course it returned once in the garage. I got the car back last week and now they're informing me that the oil pressure is on the low side. Also after they changed the oil and filter. My trust in this garage (a large authorized Ford dealer) is vanishing, and I would be interested in hearing from people who can provide some information as to what might cause the low oil pressure... and whether this, for some reason, could vary over time..?!? Has it been the oil pressure and not the tensioner itself all the time...?!?

 

thanks,

 

frank

[seatkid]

Hello,

 

 

6 weeks ago I noticed that the rattling noise started to come back ever so gradually over a 2 week period. Eventually, I did not dare to drive it, and I was going on a 2 week business trip anyways. When I returned, I decided to bring the car to the dealer for a new checkup, and lo and behold! After a 2 weeks standstill the noise was completely gone! But of course it returned once in the garage. I got the car back last week and now they're informing me that the oil pressure is on the low side. Also after they changed the oil and filter. My trust in this garage (a large authorized Ford dealer) is vanishing, and I would be interested in hearing from people who can provide some information as to what might cause the low oil pressure... and whether this, for some reason, could vary over time..?!? Has it been the oil pressure and not the tensioner itself all the time...?!?

 

thanks,

 

frank

I think the tensioner is hydraulically operated. i.e. you need oil pressure to tension the chain.

 

Low oil pressure could be due to several things

 

A common problem is the oil pickup in the sump. This has a fine mesh on it to protect the oil pump and often this mesh get gunged up and blocked restricting oil flow. Remove the sump and inspect/clean the mesh.

Edited May 12, 2009 by seatkid

[frankTN]

 

A common problem is the oil pickup in the sump. This has a fine mesh on it to protect the oil pump and often this mesh get gunged up and blocked restricting oil flow. Remove the sump and inspect/clean the mesh.

 

 

Thanks for the tip. Someone I spoke to said removing the sump is a major operation... true?

 

thanks,