1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Oil light

1984 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
190,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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84FREEBIE
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When I drive my Cutlass for about 5-10 minutes, if I stop at a traffic light with the car in gear the oil light comes on. The longer I drive, and the more I stop, the longer the light stays on. If I put the car in park, the light barely flickers after 45 minutes of driving.

I just got the car and just put an oil change on it. Could it be I need a thicker grade of oil? The car runs fine otherwise, and when the light flickers there is no knocking or anything to indicate low oil pressure.

Help!!
Dec 17, 2008 at 2:43 AM
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DOCFIXIT
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Most likely the oil pressure sender on lower left side of engine. Check to see if wire is secure or oil leaking from it
Dec 17, 2008 at 2:55 AM
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84FREEBIE
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you can hear a little tap or knock at idle.... more knock than tap... doesn't sound like its gonna blow up or anything, but i would like to not have to buy a motor anytime soon. I think I may rebuild the oil pump... is that very difficult to do?
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:05 PM
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DOCFIXIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,828 POSTS
Be easier to up the oil viscosity first. The knock is not good there is considerable milage on engine and bearing wear is the noise.Maybe an oil additive could help.
Dec 19, 2008 at 12:12 AM
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