Predicting oil pressure drop
Discussion
Just a question
Oil or rather the lack of pressure should something go wrong whilst driving. Some sort of warning needed. Now, whilst driving, my eye's are rarely off the gauge but how much time does it take to do the damage? I did ask once about a pizzo buzzer off the oil light but was pointed out that would be too late.
So is there a way to predict, using the existing or maybe and after market device. Something that uses the pressure so that if it drops too quickly an alarm sounds? Not relying on the actual pressure but rate of decent? Or am I worrying too much?
And in answer to "you are worring too much"
if a solution is realisticly obtainable I am interested.
Oil or rather the lack of pressure should something go wrong whilst driving. Some sort of warning needed. Now, whilst driving, my eye's are rarely off the gauge but how much time does it take to do the damage? I did ask once about a pizzo buzzer off the oil light but was pointed out that would be too late.
So is there a way to predict, using the existing or maybe and after market device. Something that uses the pressure so that if it drops too quickly an alarm sounds? Not relying on the actual pressure but rate of decent? Or am I worrying too much?
And in answer to "you are worring too much"
if a solution is realisticly obtainable I am interested.
sorry 
pies said:
your panicking far too much though
Just trying to look after my investment
deltaf, along those lines I was thinking of.
Piece of mind for a few squids is all I am after. Back up to the peepers that may be looking elsewhere at the time. I am not that paranoid about it but if its available at a reasonable cost.....?
If I remember correctly, most standard oil pressure switches operate the warning light at about 5-10 psi.
This is generally too low to save any damage at high revs.You can get higher pressure switches (about 20psi)that race cars sometimes use in conjunction with a bl**dy great big warning light! I guess this could be wired to an audible alarm instead. The only downside with the RV8 engine is that the low(normal)pressure at tickover could well activate the switch/alarm everytime you come to halt. This could end up being very annoying!! Try the Think Automotive website.
This is generally too low to save any damage at high revs.You can get higher pressure switches (about 20psi)that race cars sometimes use in conjunction with a bl**dy great big warning light! I guess this could be wired to an audible alarm instead. The only downside with the RV8 engine is that the low(normal)pressure at tickover could well activate the switch/alarm everytime you come to halt. This could end up being very annoying!! Try the Think Automotive website.
I went for one large ultrabright LED, one large ultrabright flashing LED and a very loud buzzer. In the heat of the moment it takes a lot to get my attention when I'm chucking the car around! Has helped my spot transient oil surge on a couple of occasions (now cured by a fully baffled flap valve sump, but it's nice to know the warning system is still there).
chrisj said:
I heard of someone rigging their car up so that in the event of loss of oil pressure, the signal that lights up the oil pressure warning light activated an ignition kill switch, so it stopped the engine in time.
Electrics react quicker than humans, so it seems like a good idea.
Hmmmmm turning off the engine is only one part of the battle though, you also need to get it into neutral / clutch down or else the wheels will continue to drive the engine.... it is also possible to get fluctuations in pressure during hard cornering etc when pressure will drop to near zero for a fraction of a second (long enough for the electrics to cut the engine out via this switch) and the resulting loss of throttle control probably throwing you and your car at the nearest tree / ditch / wall etc at very high speed....... not a good idea all said and done.+
And dont forget there is such a thing as a faulty sender, would be a bugger if it stopped you getting home
>> Edited by dontlift on Wednesday 3rd September 11:58
chrisj said:
I heard of someone rigging their car up so that in the event of loss of oil pressure, the signal that lights up the oil pressure warning light activated an ignition kill switch, so it stopped the engine in time.
Electrics react quicker than humans, so it seems like a good idea.
God no, don't even think about it. You could be seriously in the poo if it cut the engine during cornering.
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