The water temp gauge has a 'oil can' symbol that is flashing mostly when
engine idles but sometimes when driving. I think this 'flashing' is
indicating very low or zero oil pressure. The engine runs and sounds OK,
plenty of power, no knocks, not like an engine sounds that is running
without oil. Has plenty crankcase oil. Never uses any cranckcase oil.

Can the 'oil pressure sensor' be bad and engine and oil pump system is
really OK? Car has 70K miles and runs OK.

After market oil pressure sensor costs $70. What is my risk, if I do not
change the sensor, and I check oil level often as I do now? Can a
junkyard part be used if cost is much less?

Is the sensor difficult to replace myself? Can bad wiring cause good
sensor to appear bad? Do 87 MAXIMA have any history of oil pressure
sensor troubles?

Thanks, Dave_s

Dave_s <group78 (AT) dslextreme (DOT) com> wrote in news:1223u33q2kn9mb0
@corp.supernews.com:

Just because you have oil in the crankcase doesn't mean your
engine is protected. The oil presure indicator tells you
that you have insufficient oil pressure. This could be caused
by a worn oil pump and maybe a clogged filter. Open the oil
fill cap on top of the engine while it's running and see if there
is oil on and around the cam shaft.

Of course it could also be a problem with the sensor or the sensor
wireing.

The first thing to do is measure the actual oil pressure or replace the
sending unit.


Gordon reeder wrote:

Dave_s wrote:

Yes and it is a comon problem for the sensor to fail.
--

Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

Agreed, It probably has the original sensor on it from 87.


replace the OPS (oil pressure switch) with a NEW part not one from a junk
yard.

Yes , they can be a problem coming off, be prepared to bust your knuckles


"Steve T" <fotocord (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

Safest would be the dealer part. Try www.courtesyparts.com. It's a
wholesale nissan parts dealer based out of TX. They have great prices
on original Nissan parts and will ship the part to you (assuming you
don't mind waiting a few days).

Cheers,
Nirav