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BeetleGuy495
Samba Member
Joined: May 06, 2020
Posts: 63
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 Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2023 8:31 am Post subject: Oil Light Flickering |
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Hey all,
For starters, I have a 1984 Mexican model Vw bug. As of recently, it runs perfectly for about 45 minutes worth of driving, then as it idles the oil light starts dimly flickering, but the moment I either rev the engine slightly or shift into gear and start driving, it turns completely off. It also flickers brighter and brighter as I idle the longer the car runs. Any help as to why it’s doing this would be greatly appreciated. |
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Eric&Barb
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004
Posts: 24764
Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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| Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2023 1:16 pm Post subject: Re: Oil Light Flickering |
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| BeetleGuy495 wrote: |
Hey all,
For starters, I have a 1984 Mexican model Vw bug. As of recently, it runs perfectly for about 45 minutes worth of driving, then as it idles the oil light starts dimly flickering, but the moment I either rev the engine slightly or shift into gear and start driving, it turns completely off. It also flickers brighter and brighter as I idle the longer the car runs. Any help as to why it’s doing this would be greatly appreciated. |
Sounds like it needs the idle RPM turned up slightly. Otherwise it could be worn out engine, running too lean, missing engine tin and/or seals, etc. or a combo of problems.
Might help if you posted lots of images of the engine for all here to see. Then can chime in on any obvious faults.
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In Stereo, Where Available! |
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sb001
Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2011
Posts: 10406
Location: NW Arkansas
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| Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2023 3:25 pm Post subject: Re: Oil Light Flickering |
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Normal. Even says in the owner's manual you might get some oil light flickering. See bottom of this page (This is taken from the latest English version owner's manual I could find in the tech section here which was 1979, but should still apply to yours):
I notice you said "recently" as in, it just started recently happening? What oil do you use (weight/ viscosity)?
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I'm the humblest guy on this board.
1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor |
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mukluk
Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2012
Posts: 7028
Location: Clyde, TX
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| Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2023 5:06 pm Post subject: Re: Oil Light Flickering |
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| BeetleGuy495 wrote: |
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It also flickers brighter and brighter as I idle the longer the car runs. |
A little flickering at idle after you just finished some high speed cruising is normal as noted, but for the warning lamp to get progressively brighter at idle the longer the car runs indicates the oil is thinning out too much or the engine is getting worn out.
Do you have any means of measuring the oil temperature?
Has it been a while since the last time the oil was changed?
Does the oil have a fuel smell to it?
How many miles are on the engine and what weight oil are you using?
Does the engine also lack power or exhibit signs of overheating when the oil warning lamp is getting brighter?
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1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga" |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 31379
Location: Hot Arizona
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