Archived Oil Light

[AndrewKing]

HI All,



My work truck recently had the oil light to flicker on at idle at a stoplight... . I did notice that the factory oil gauge pressure was a little lower than normal but at the same time my brake control had it's LED light on for no apparent reason so I partially discounted the possible problem as an electrical gremlin. However, being ever so cautious... I decided to check the oil level anyways... . The truck does not usually burn any oil... . It does however have a slight leak on one of the valve covers that I will soon address..... To my surprise, the engine oil level was way way above full (a good 3 or more inches above the max fill line)... . I had changed the oil a month or so ago but I know to use 3 Gallons of Rotella so I did not over fill the oil myself and I know my helpers didn't add any oil unnecessarily... . I tried smelling the oil and it seems ok... . no antifreeze smell or anything. . it did seem a little thin tho considering I lowered the engine oil level by pulling the oil drain plug and I did it while everything was cold... Another friend said it may be a leaking fuel injector? How likely is that? How would you check for that?... . I suppose I really shouldn't drive the truck until I figure out what is wrong with something as important as oil... If it is injectors how expensive are they and where should I buy them... . I hear they can be a pain to change out so unfortunately I may have to go to a shop for that... . Would it be OK to drive it there? (about 5 miles distance).

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Andrew

Thanks

Andrew

 

[dpuckett]

I'd say that your lift pump is leaking into the crankcase, or your injector pump front seal has crapped out, leaking fuel into the crankcase. Either way, you have fuel in your oil, and you need to change it. I would change the lift pump and then keep an eye on things to see if the engine is "making oil. " A seal kit for the IP is ~$20; the FSM even has a section on how to change the front pump seal. Neither one is hard to do.



A leaking injector is also possible, but not as likely. They are only slightly harder than spark plugs to change out. If they test bad, it is a good excuase for 190s.



Verify your oil pressure with a mechanical gauge. There is a 1/8NPT fitting on top of the oil filter housing you can tap into.



Daniel

 

[Missouri Mule]

AndrewKing, you can also get your oil analyzed.

Symptoms seem to point toward fuel in the oil. I believe injectors can be cleaned and /or rebuilt or you can do what dpuckett suggested and upgrade your injectors.