What are the causes of engine oil pressure failure?
2 Answers
Reasons for low oil pressure failure: 1. Insufficient oil quantity leading to low oil pressure. 2. Oil pump wear or damage causing low oil pressure. 3. Engine overheating leading to oil aging and deterioration resulting in low oil pressure. 4. Suction filter blockage causing low oil pressure. 5. Pressure relief valve damage or improper adjustment leading to low oil pressure. 6. Oil cooler leakage resulting in low oil pressure. 7. Oil viscosity being too low causing insufficient pressure. 8. Malfunction of oil pressure display device leading to low oil pressure.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and here are the common causes of oil pressure failures: First is insufficient oil level - when the oil pan level is too low, it causes pump cavitation. Second is wear or damage to the oil pump itself, such as excessive gear clearance leading to inadequate oil supply. Additionally, a clogged oil filter restricts circulation, naturally causing pressure drop. Internal engine wear is another major issue - for example, excessive crankshaft bearing clearance allows oil to leak through gaps. There's also cases where owners choose wrong oil viscosity - oil that's too thin can't maintain pressure at high temperatures. Finally, don't overlook false sensor readings - sometimes a faulty pressure switch can trigger the warning light. When the warning comes on, first pull over safely, check the dipstick level to rule out simple issues before sending for repair.
