1998 BMW 323 Engine oil circulation

1998 BMW 323
106,012 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
JAKR891
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi,
Recently the Oil Warning light has started taking some time to go out when starting. A short time
between starts and it gooes out immediately. Next day (or 2) it takes about 2 secs to go out and a 7 day interval will cause a 4-5 second delay.

In the delay period the engine is a little noisy and conpletely quietens when the light goes out. The engine runs perfectly and quietly otherwise.

I suspect the oil is draining back into the sump (?)

What are possible causes of this please?

Best regards
Feb 26, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
DOCHAGERTY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,603 POSTS
The possible causes could be an anti-drain back fitting between the block and the cylinder head has gotten contaminated or has something holding it open and is allowing oil to drain back out of the head. Personally, I would not see this as a concern as I have had several of these engines do this and they will run like this for a long time, I know it sounds awful, but fixing it could easily be a nightmare. I would live with the noise or use a heavier viscosity oil. You are using 20w-50 aren't you?
Feb 26, 2009 at 11:44 AM