Oil light on at tick over

[Lotustuart]

Hi, my oil light came on this evening as I pulled into the drive. It flickers for a bit then if you rev the engine the light goes out. I did a full oil and filter change last month. I can't see any major leaks or drips on drive. There is oil in it. I did top it up just incase. The dip stick is rubbish and difficult to read but there is definitely oil in it. So I'm looking at oil pressure, switch, sender unit or bearings. Any easy ways to test any of these if the problem persists? Photos and/or descriptions of where things are too as I am a novice.
Thanks

[teenmal]

Hi,the first thing to do is check the oil pressure asap.It could be a faulty oil pressure switch/connector, there is also (normally) a low oil switch on the sump,if oil pressure checks ok this switch/wiring is also worth checking.

PS the Engine Oil dipstick should not be difficult to read,what vehicle do you have?

[Lotustuart]

Sorry, it might help... '97 2.5td auto.
By difficult to read I just mean as you pull it out (after wiping off and putting back in) the whole stick gets oil on it from the tube and as its just been serviced the oils not very black.

[Northern Bongolow]

what oil did you use when did the recent change. and what brand of filter.

the dipstick curls so can be read on the inner face of the curve, or put a soft dusting of chalk on the stick, it will clean off to the level.

[Lotustuart]

Right, I'm using 5-30 semi. Levels are fine. Bought a better(more expensive) filter and replaced that. Changed the sender sensor. Still happening! Grrrr! Looking like a professional job now.
One thing somebody mentioned to me, does the sump have its own filter inside? Apparently a common problem on old VWs was the sump filter clogging up and causing the same symptoms?
Could it be the oil pump? How hard are they to do?
I know people say big end but I'm hoping its not. She's purring alone nicely apart from the light. No clunking or banging. Still a smooth pull as always.
It's doing my nut in now!!!!,
Help!

[lazyb5]

5-30 synth is what I have so correct grade of oil. You could try a10-40 see if that increases the pressure a little. Do you know what you had in to start with? You could also try removing the sump to see if the strainer is partially clogged, I will be doing this when I overhaul the engine this summer.

[teenmal]

Hi,as I said before the first thing to do is check the oil pressure asap,it could be internal filter/by-pass valves/ LOW OIL SWITCH in the sump ,etc etc.do not run the vehicle until you are sure that there is enough pressure.

Good Luck.

[Lotustuart]

Thanks all. I have changed the oil again, now on 10/40 semi. Still happening, so it's booked into bongo specialist garage next weds. He thinks it might be sump strainer so that's where he's going to start. I'm going away(hopefully) the following weekend and I'm thinking leaving it ill weds is cutting it a bit fine, so I was wondering if I could do it myself. So, how easy is it to get the sump off and reapply gasket seal? Any thing I should be aware of? Can I use the same oil I take out as its new in today?

Oh and if I can get it pressure tested before I will. Just gotta find someone who can do it.
Thanks again in advance.

[Northern Bongolow]

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