oil temp/oil light

Hi guys

I have recently changed the waterpipes successfully on my 97 VVC
With a lot of help from David
i have since noticed that my oil temp is a lot higher than it used to be
used to stay below 80 degrees except on a hard run and would then go up to 100 plus
now even on a normal run it is going above 120
and i noticed today the oil light on dashboard started flickering on
water temp is staying just below half
oil level seems to be fine too
any suggestions much appreciated
cheers
Andy

My first port of call would be to check the wiring and connectors of the oil temp/oil pressure sensors at the oil filter. you may have disturbed them while fitting your pipes.

Oil level OK?

Hi again David

Yes oil level is spot on
Just had the AA out to check it over but he doesnt seem to be able to diagnose the problem
will take her down to local garage to get a further check done
i will ask them to check the sensors on oil filter
Thanx
Andy

Hi Leigh

yes engine fan is working
no leaks from water and expansion tank doesnt need topping up
water temp is staying just below half
had AA out this morning but he couldnt seem to diagnose the problem
will take it into garage for a check

thx again

Eeeee, when I were a lad, the next thing would be to temporaily fit an oil pressure gauge into the sender position......if you hadn't got a Smiths 2" gauge in the dash....

Do we still do such things nowadays? Would give an immediate indication of whether it was a genuine low pressure or not.

Hi David

AA patrolman couldnt tell me what problem is
He did check that engine fan was working, which it is
took car down to local garage and they replaced the oil filter, I have checked wiring to sensors which seem to be ok, but personally not sure what I should be looking for if i have disturbed wires to sensors.
took the car for a run after new oil filter fitted but oil temp still reaching 120 on a not too hard a run 80/90mph and in the rain so much cooler today than yesterday, oil light on dash has not flickered on again though
fella at the garage recommended i bleed the coolant again, although water temp is sitting below halfway ( so not sure if this could be part of the problem) and change the oil, i have been topping oil up with synthetic castrol 5/40 in and he recommended semi-synthetic 10/40, perhaps the problem is with the oil being too thin.
any more suggestions
Regards
Andy

Hi Leigh

AA patrolman couldnt tell me what problem is
He did check that engine fan was working, which it is
took car down to local garage and they replaced the oil filter, I have checked wiring to sensors which seem to be ok, but personally not sure what I should be looking for if i have disturbed wires to sensors.
took the car for a run after new oil filter fitted but oil temp still reaching 120 on a not too hard a run 80/90mph and in the rain so much cooler today than yesterday, oil light on dash has not flickered on again though
fella at the garage recommended i bleed the coolant again, although water temp is sitting below halfway ( so not sure if this could be part of the problem) and change the oil, i have been topping oil up with synthetic castrol 5/40 in and he recommended semi-synthetic 10/40, perhaps the problem is with the oil being too thin.
any more suggestions
Regards
Andy

You only have to type it once Andy. I can see what you can see and what you type on this page can be seen by everyone. No bad news, so far, is good news. Let's hope it is the oil then.

The oil temperature gauge is not 100% accurate and I have heard of some having a problem with abnormally high readings. The reason for this is that the dual oil temperature sensor does not relatre to the specifications. This is proven in MGF model year 1999, but may also be a solution for your case.

What you need to do:
The 13 position multiplug (C160) needs to be removed. To do this, remove the engine cover, then remove the metal casing the ECU is attached to by unsrewing the 2 x 8mm screws either side of the casing.
Release, unclip and remove multiplug C160.
Identify the brown-blue wire located in position 7 of the multiplug. Double check you have the right one and cut approx 60mm back from the multiplug.
Solder a 15 Ohm resistor to the exposed wire. Thred the shrink tube over the resistor before connecting the other end.
Solder the other end.
Heat shrink tube to seal it to the resistor and cable and to protect connections.
You may want to also cover with electrical tape, just to make it extra secure.
Reconnect multiplug and put everything back together.
Voila!

Make sure you disconnect the battery before attempting this!

This may not be a solution to your problem, but could be the answer!