A few days ago I was minding my own business, driving to work, when the oil pressure light started flickering on the dash! My heart skipped a beat.

At first the light only came on at idle but as I continued to drive (I was late for work, yeah I should have stopped) it would flicker at any RPM. I got to work, checked the oil (it was perfect) and went in to work. After my day I went back to the car and turned it on. No light. I assumed that as the oil heats up and thins the pressure drops. I stopped half way home and let the car cool down and no light came on.

I just did an oil change a few weeks ago. I was thinking that I would replace the oil pressure switch (cheap), do an oil flush (is this a good idea?) and maybe drop the oil pan to ensure there is no gunk in the oil pickup tube (not sure I can actually do this as one of the bolts on the exhaust is completely rounded).

What's your take on this?

EDIT: By the way, I do not have access to an oil pressure gauge...

 

I'd do an oil pressure check with a separate gauge - any shop would have this - or buy a set of gauge/sender from your auto parts store, and temp install and take a reading. If you're within limits troubleshoot your car's circuit, if not - auch - let us know. What mileage on the engine?

 

Ill see if I can get access to a gauge but I'm not too hopeful. I haven't been driving it since the light came on.

There are about 220000km (aprx. 136,701miles)on the engine. Last oil change I put in Mobile Super 1000 10w-30.

 

If you don't hear valves clattering or rods knocking, you probably have oil pressure. Light comes on at very low oil pressure, perhaps 3-5 psi. At this pressure I would expect some audible sounds of problems.

Replace oil pressure sensor. It's cheaper than trying to rig up to measure oil pressure w/ a gauge.

good luck

 

Pretty sure I didn't hear anything.
It seems strange that the sensor would fail only after driving for a long time, normally the light remains off. Do you think it could have been caused, in part, by my use of 10w-30? My engine calls for 5w-30.

Would it be a bad idea to buy this?... Honda/Acura OIL PRESSURE SWITCH/SENSOR Light/Gauge | eBay
Or should I Go get one from Honda for 4 times the price?

 

This is easy access job (run car up on ramps and slide under) so my rule is I'll try an inexpensive part,...if it's not too hard to replace should it prove to be a dud. I would go w/ ebay part.

good luck

 

Ok, I bought the sensor.

While I wait for it to arrive what do you think of this sludge-control plan?

I will pour a half can of seafoam into the crankcase and drive for about 50km then replace the oil with the cheapest stuff I can find. I will then pour the second half of the seafoam into the cheap oil and drive for another 50km. Finally, I will replace the oil and the filter as usual.