I did a search of the forum, and can't find anything. Maybe someone here can help or point me to a good thread. I am getting ready to start my car after replacing a cam shaft. I noticed this before, but am unsure if this is norrmal. My oil guage jumps from off to 3 bar as soon as I turn the ignition on. Is this normal? I was always under the impression that oil pressure had to build up a bit. If anyone can shed some light I would appreciate it.

Respects,

Andy

p.s. More stupid questions to come.

If you are suggesting, that the oilpressure gauge pegs, before you even start the engine, I would suspect a wiring or pressure switch problem.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

If your gauge pegs at 3 as soon as the key is in the on position, but the engine isn't running, then that isn't normal.

Likely causes are a bad sending unit or the plug has come of the post at the sending unit, or it could be simply corrosion at the connection to the sending unit. You will find the sending unit on the passenger side of your engine attached to the filter housing. It has asingle lean wire that just pushes on to the post in the center of the unit.

If it pegs as soon as the car starts, then I'd say all is normal.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

All,

Thanks. I checked the wires and they all appear fine. Can anyone tell me if there is a certain impedence or whatnot that I can check to see if the sender is bad?

Respects,

Andy

Sorry for the confusion. The needle pegs before the engine turns over.

sending unit



Joe

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Project Smoker, '87 603 powered wagon
Hauler, 96 CTD can you say torque?
Toy 73 Cougar xr7 convertible
Acme Automotive Inc.
Raleigh NC
919-881-0364

Definitely a faulty sending unit. I've replaced tons of them. Make sure to get the aluminum seal that goes on the threads too.

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Regards,
Aaron

One last, but very important, question.....

Do I need to drain the oil from the car to replace the sender? Or will just a few drops come out?

Thanks again,

Andy

No need to drain the oil. With the engine warm, loosen the center bolt on the filter cover and crack same. This will allow the oil in the canister to drain back into the block. Once the canister is empty, you can remove the sender with only a few drops coming out.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Mike,

Thanks for making my life easier.

Andy

Once you get the wire off of the sending unit, check the wire as well. My 500 had the same problem and it was not the sending unit but the connector had broken.

__________________
R. Downs
1985 500SEL (260,000 miles) SOLD!
1974 280 SOLD!
1994 Volvo 850 Turbo Wagon (Yuppie Ice Sled)

"I know I have a Benz and they know it too." If you start bragging about it or shoving in people's face, you then become a Wally; especially to the girls.

Thanks, I sure will.