Hello!

I just purchased a 1981 DL wagon and the oil pressure light has been on all day (I just bought it this morning). It needs to be taken for an inspection before the insurance can be finalized, but I'm wondering if there are any quick things to check before I get it into the shop as the last owner had only ever seen it on while it was idling.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

Well you have one of two possible issues going on here. I assume that you have checked the oil and it is OK. I would think that the low oil pressure switch is bad . I would either replace it or install an oil pressure gauge to verify that it is only the gage and not a problem with the engine. Worse case is that the bearings are bad and you need an engine rebuild. Have the oil pressure checked first.

 

Ok! I am going to go out and check the wiring to see if that is the issue, and then if not the car will go in the mechanic for further diagnosis. Hopefully it's not as severe as one would think.

 

If memory serves me correctly, the oil light wire runs under the crank pulley. Often, the insulation deterioration common in the older cars will cause the wire to ground out. That's assuming your o.p. checks out.