Re: General questions on 82 4000s

[Phil@sievers.com (Phil Payne)]

In message <2F3FBDCF@bur.dmcc.com> Stott Hare writes:

> Greetings,

Reciprocated

>    As the new owner of a 4000s, I hope that you'll pardon these non-q 
> questions... but first some background.

I think we're a pretty tolerant bunch.  And the apology implies you'll one day 
reach all the way ...

> Hard right turns would trip the [oil] light. No problem typical oil 
> starvation due to lack of baffling.

Most of us find that pretty rare.

> If I was in fifth gear, about 2200 RPM and trying to accelerate, the
> light would begin to come on.  Dim at first with a little/quiet buzzer
> growing brighter/louder if I continued without downshifting.  This scenario
> holds for other gears.
> So right now I'm wondering if my oil pump isn't up to snuff, if I have 
> blockage in the engine, or if the leaking valve stem seals could cause these 
> symptoms...

a) The daft ones first, but also the cheapest.  Check you have the correct
   dipstick for your engine.  I know, it's unbelievable.  But it's very
   common.
 
b) Hard right turns.  Check both ends of any brown wires to and from the engine
   block, plus any braided engine/chassis bonds.  On an old car, it's common
   to find some moron has left one off when, e.g., changing the alternator.
   On Audis, these things are important returns for instrument circuits.
   Also, replace the connector on the wire to the oil pressure sensor.  That
   wire goes bad 10 times as often as the sensor.  (Sender, in German) 

c) Increasing problems with increasing revs - it's not the valve stems.
   This type of problem is sometimes seen in cars that have not had regular
   servicing/oil changes.  It's more common in turbos, but not unknown in
   non-turbos that have had oil tip-ups rather than changes.  Basically, it's
   sludge and wax build-up.  Some relief is available by removing the camshaft
   cover and oil pan, and poking out the available oilways.  You can also try
   deliberate short changes with detergent oil additives - never very effective,
   I fear.  The key diagnostic is the service history - do you have documentary
   evidence that the vehicle was serviced regularly?  If you do, we may have 
   to think again.

Phil Payne Sievers 
Consulting UK 
Vice Chair, UK Computer Measurement Group 
Phone    +44 385 302803 
Fax/BBS  +44 1536 723021 
Fido     2:2503/415 
CIS      100012,1660