Thankful for the "Check Oil" Light

[JRA2000TL]

Haven't driven the 89 much at all lately until I get the rod bearings changed (car has 255k w/ no known bearing change history). The valve cover gaskets leak like a sieve, and I just replaced the front main and 2 of the 3 cam seals when I did the front 60k. I fought with the rear and it didn't appear to be leaking, so I skipped it (meh, I'm lazy).

Well, I started the car the other day to take it for a drive and the "Check Oil" light came on (NOT the red oil can / oil pressure light). I checked, and there was hardly any oil in the car.....now it's been setting for a few weeks w/o being driven. No huge puddle of oil in the driveway, etc. Not sure where it's going; it doesn't smoke that I know of. I do check the level once in awhile and sometimes have to add a qt., which is expected given the conditions.

Anyway, common sense tells you to keep an eye on the oil level in these cars, but sometimes I lack that. Glad to have had this reminder. Still scratching my head as to why it went almost empty on me w/o driving it. Didn't see any leaks from where I installed new seals, but I'll crawl under the car and check. Nice to know the oil level sensor works though!

 

[MikeVH]

Reminds me of a story, some time ago... My wife had driven my SHO from Raleigh down to Charleston for the weekend. She drove home, arrived late and while laying in bed that night, said, " Oh the oil light came on in the car on the way home". I explained as calmly as I could that if the oil light comes on you should stop and have it checked out, as soon as possible. She could tell I was upset as I explained to her that the motor was now probably "junk". It was a long night..
The next day after getting up the courage to check it out, the dipstick showed down about a half quart, I asked her to show me in the manual which light had come on.
It was the "low oil level" light. I didn't even know there was such an indicator on the SHO until then!
We are still married!

 

[yamahaSHO]

My daily beater ('92 Taurus LX) leaks enough oil that I have never change it. When the yellow light comes on, I add about 2 quarts.

 

[Eric VerValin]

I'd be checking that low oil level sender's gasket. Hopefully its not a rear main thats leaking that bad.

 

[93rev2sev]

You're burning it. Either in the combustion chambers or dripping on to the hot exhaust.

 

[RonPorter]

I learned years ago that the light comes on when you are 2 quarts low. Hate to say how I learned that, but it was a leaky oil pan "gasket".

 

[JRA2000TL]

You're burning it. Either in the combustion chambers or dripping on to the hot exhaust.

Rear vcg has to be the worst. Always smells like hot, burnt oil under the hood after driving awhile. I think it leaks on the rear exhaust manifold shield. Plus the oil spots it does create come from either there or the oil pan; both issues I will address over the winter. Until I fix it, no need for me to change the oil either. I can just keep adding a couple of qts here and there as needed. Why waste $ on an oil change when I won't be driving it much until I do the rod bearings (which then, I'll do the filter and all).

 

[93rev2sev]

I'm pretty good at keeping ahead of the "check oil" light, but when I see it...I change the oil...all 3 quarts...lol.