Oil Pump in 84 Quantum TD

Re: Oil Pump in 84 Quantum TD (PerL)

Hi... That was the first thing I did... I got some oil, and a filter at AutoZone.. It was made by Shell "Rotella" I think was the name on it, and it was heavier that 10W 30 . It said it was made for diesel's and listed Cummins, Detroit Diesel, and Catapiller.. on the back....
I looked at my regular oil for my Miata (Mobil 1 Synthetic) but it did not list the 2 letter tag for diesel on the label. Do you have a recomended oil?
I did notice one other thing today... I think the car may be running a bit on the hot side. I tried running the main fan (hot wired it) and this did not help. I am going to try to change the therostat tomorow, and see if I can get it to run a little cooler. I hope it is not the oil pump, as this will require removing the engine to replace. Thanks for your help..
Ken

Re: Oil Pump in 84 Quantum TD (84QuantumTD)

Ok, you think you're going too hot. It would be best to make sure if you are! If you are, try to replace the thermostat (go to the dealer to get teh best ones, same with oil filter). If the engine is running too hot, the oil will be too thin and the light might flicker. I dont think you need to remove the engine to replace the oil pan, but I'm not sure. My sister had an '87 Passat (same as Quantum) so I know the cars a bit. You need to drop the oil pan, but I dont know the exact oil pump replacement procedure so... It's the same as for a regular gas engine though.
If the engine is worn, it might not help with a new pump. The main bearings may have too big gaps, which means that there wont be any back pressure for the oil pump, this will make the oil pressure drop. I've experienced this on an aircooled VW.

Re: Oil Pump in 84 Quantum TD (PerL)

HI... Thanks for the info. I am going to change the thermostat. I bought one today. I got a 180.. stock is 195. I figured try one a little cooler it might help too. They make a 160, but it would have to be ordered.
If it's the bearings..well I guess I will just have to drive it till it blows up. Car runs great... and the light only comes on at idle...and soemtimes not even then... I have raised the idle a little, and that helped some. I was also thinking it could be a bad oil sender... the sender might just THINK the oil presure is too low. The engine does not clatter or tick or anything when the light goes on... I might try to hook up an actual oil pressure gauge to make sure.
It is a daily beater and I have put almost 1000 miles on it this week mostly city driving. So if it was going to blow up. I think it would have already. I got 34MPG this tank Not bad for a 18 year old car with 257K on it.
Thanks again for you help.