1.4 HDI/8HT - low oil pressure

[solentview]

I am new to the forum - please don't bawl me out if I make a mistake. My wife/SWMBO has owned a 2009 C1 1.4 HDI/8HT since new, regularly serviced each Spring, but now with a DIY interim oil change in the Autumn for about the last five years. Mileage now stands at 92K. This year, I refilled the C! in October with Mannol fully synthetic 5W30, with a fresh filter, but as soon as I started the engine the low oil pressure warning lights came on. A check over at our local garage confirmed the actual oil pressure was 'in spec' and the pressure sensor was changed as a precaution. However, the problem persists but only shows itself when the engine is warmed through and idling speed drops below (about) 900rpm.

I do not want the engine to damage itself, so I am considering dropping the sump to clean out the sump itself and the oil pump pick-up - and possibly to replace the connecting rod bearings. Can any kind person advise us on the following points:

Noting that the exhaust pipe passes underneath the engine and that there are two locating studs at either end of the sump pan, can the sump pan be dropped sufficiently to clear the studs, without having to remove the exhaust pipe?

Since the sump pan is pressed steel, can it be successfully resealed with a silicone jointing compound - or should I be thinking about cutting a gasket and using my favourite tube of Wellseal?

And finally - I have found three different torque+angle settings for the connecting rod bolts. Does anyone know what the correct settings are for those and the sump fastenings?

Hope somebody can help!

[Huskyxantia]

Are the piston rings ok ?

[Huskyxantia]

Hope this may help

[Huskyxantia]

As for My wife/SWMBO what's the sw bit ?

[wheeler]

Is the oil filter fitted correctly, the correct part & is it from Euro car Parts?

[Estately]

As for My wife/SWMBO what's the sw bit ?

She Who Must Be Obeyed.

OK !!!!

[solentview]

Thanks all - regarding piston rings - the vehicle uses little or no oil between changes, and I am not sure that I can make a connection between piston rings and low oil pressure. Regarding the oil filter, I have used Bosch for all the DIY oil changes, installation identical each time. I have read about filters causing low oil pressure - and I wonder whether it is worth changing it, just to make sure before dismantling the engine.

[Huskyxantia]

As for My wife/SWMBO what's the sw bit ?

She Who Must Be Obeyed.

OK !!!!

k

[Huskyxantia]

I did read about cheaper filters cause a lower oil pressure but , 8ve used both cheap & proper branded & to be honest haven't experienced any pressure differences , id say the oil pump may need a real good clean anything heading toward 100,000 mile mark will start to wear out.

[wheeler]

This was a known issue on the genuine oil filters on the TU engines. You would get a oil pressure warning (with no real apparent loss of pressure) soon after a service & there was a plastic cross piece in the new filter would be broken.
Deffo replace the filter before going any further.

[PaulC5]

In the 1980s I had a Maxi and that would give a low oil pressure on roundabouts. It happened when the oil level was a bit low. On a Fiat 127 that suffered low oil pressure and it needed a new oil pump - it was noisy due to the low pressure.