I was spoiled .....

B

buickwidow

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So sorry if you are all here to speak about how great Buicks are but I really need advice. I am recently divorce from a mechanic who will not speak to me at all. My Roadmaster oil gage is really close to the red line and the light is flickering. I just gave it a total high mileage oil change 2 weeks ago and they changed some emissions thing. I have gotten much better gas mileage (I put on 1000 miles a week) and was very pleased until tonite when this happened. I have to go to work tomorrow and do not feel as though I should be driving it. HELP. I throw myself on your mercy.
 
The first thing is, did you check the oil? A recent service does not mean it is alright! If it isn't that, it is probably not good.
 
Thanks so much for the replys. It is a 1991 Roadmaster Wagon. It was a top of the line. I did check the oil and it is fine. I drove it today and nothing happened in the morning (rush hour traffic and everything) but then as I was 15 minutes into the ride home-the light flickered and the needle went to the red zone. It seems to happen as it idles. But it remains (the needle) close to the red zone.
Also there is no evidence of oil on the ground at anytime.
 
I wonder if that motor has nylon timing gears, which are starting to fall apart and clog the oil pickup.

In any case, I would recommend a (nother) mechanic investigate.

Any other ideas?

-Bob Cunningham
 
I am going to mention that when I bring it to a mechanic-Makes me sound like well versed and not to be reckoned with or taken advantage of. Thanks so much!
 
I would say that it's the oil pressure sending unit/sensor that is causing the problem or the actual gauge itself.
Early 90's general motors products all used the same crappy sensor, which causes erratic readings at idle, WOT, and everything in-between. My dad's 91 Le sabre 3.8L does the same thing and the motor makes no noise at all.

If your motor was actually producing low oil pressure, then you would be able to tell by the loud knocking noise coming from the engine at idle.
From my opinion as a mechanic, all GM motors bigger than 3.8 under normal conditions will not experience an oil pressure problem until after 200,000 miles unless the engine is poorly maintained or has had the crap beaten out of it.
The bottom line is, if the shop you take it to says your sensor is bad, and you're mechanically inclined, don't let them replace it - do it yourself!
 
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