My Sunfire's oil light comes on at idle and below about 1200 rpm, and there is a slight knock. This only happens when it's warm, and the knocking and the light go away when I raise the rpm. Any advice and/or suggestions would be much appreciated.
oil light and slight engine knock 2000 Sunfire SE 2.2L
- Thread starter Mabin
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The oil level is normal when it is cold. I just had my oil changed about 100 miles and about 5000 before that. There's 201,000 miles on it, and I'm not sure what kind of oil is in it right now, I usually use 10w-30, but I had to have a mechanic do the oil change because my oil plug needs to be re-threaded. I picked the high mileage oil change.
Kevlar
New member
With 200,000 on the clock, you should consider more frequent lof. I've always tried to stick with 3k myself. Your engine is loosening up with wear, a heavier viscosity might prolong the inevitable.
I put 335k on a Ford 5.0 HO, my oil of choice then was Castrol GTX 20/50 (very old school). You'll get all kinds of advice on what you should use. You've just changed the oil, have you been burning or loosing oil?
I put 335k on a Ford 5.0 HO, my oil of choice then was Castrol GTX 20/50 (very old school). You'll get all kinds of advice on what you should use. You've just changed the oil, have you been burning or loosing oil?
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with that kind of mileage and the light and the knock I would go with Kevlar's oil of choice 20W50 if you are not in a very cold area of the country. Your other choice is to replace the bearings and oil pump.
I haven't been burning or losing oil at all. I'll be sure to change my oil more frequently, thanks for that. I do live in a pretty cold area. I live in Washington starts so it will be dropping into freezing temperatures fairly soon. What oil would you recommend I use for cold weather. Also, how difficult would it be for me to replace the oil pump and bearings myself?
Kevlar
New member
As a Southern California guy, I have no idea what the best viscosity might be for extended cold seasons. I'm sure some one else can help with that.
I can tell you that dropping the oil pan (if practical) and changing out the main bearings and oil pump is not a job for novices. I've rebuilt an engine or two, replaced a few heads, etc. and I wouldn't be too anxious to undertake that project.
I can tell you that dropping the oil pan (if practical) and changing out the main bearings and oil pump is not a job for novices. I've rebuilt an engine or two, replaced a few heads, etc. and I wouldn't be too anxious to undertake that project.
Kevlar
New member
On further contemplation, unless you are sentimentally or emotionally attached to the car, I'd just try running the heavier oil and drive it till it gives up the ghost. In the mean time, save as much money as you can for a replacement.
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How long do you think I could run it for with thicker oil? I have a 5 or 6 more payments left on it and I want to be able to sell it when I pay it off. How difficult of a repair am I looking at? I have lots of friends and family who are mechanically inclined.