Oil pressure, 190e - 89
 

My 89 190e 2.6 runs and idles well. But the oil pressure gage sometimes reads below 1 or no pressure at all when I am at a stop. The car was serviced 3 months ago by a MB dealer and the diag. computer did not report any problems from the pumps.

What can I do? I also learn from a mechanic that this particular model is equipped with 2 oil pumps. The main with easy access (kind of) and the aux. which is built somewhere in a more difficult position. Is there a troubleshooting guide that I could use before trying to replace the pumps, just without farther convincement?

The engine has a slow oil leak, apparently in the front of the engine, something that I cannot see. I need to add oil every 2 weeks, depending on how much I drive the car. Would this be the source of the problem, can I use with confidence an aftermarket oil treatment or oil stop-leak to take care of the problem?

Please advise.

benzoso.

Low oil pressure is not a problem that can solely be attributed to a problem with the oil pump. It could be that the bearings in your engine are worn out and the engine is in need of a complete rebuild. It could also be that the gauge is inaccurate.

An external oil leak will not affect pressure.

I personally do not believe in aftermarket oil treatments as I am sure almost everyone here will agree. I don;t think there is even a snake oil that attempts to make the false claim that it can raise your oil pressure.

Oil pressure problems will not show up with diagnostics.

do not pour anything foreign into your car. front cover
oil leaks/seepage is common on these cars. do a search
and you will be inundated with volumes of suggestions
to fix it. choose what is applicable.

zero oil pressure while driving should be a concern.
zero pressure while idling is also a concern but remember
oil pressure normally drops when oil is hot and circulating
in your system. below 1 bar is not uncommon.

i would suggest using a heavier oil and observe your
guage, before tearing your car apart. cheers and welcome!

If there is no pressure at idle, then there is a problem. The minimum acceptable pressure at idle is just under 1 bar.

Which leads me to ask what I forgot to in the first place, what weight of oil are you using? Also, please check the accuracy of the guage first to verify that it is indeed giving the proper readings.

And remember, that sucker should be pegged when the egine is revved.