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1989 Ford engine light issue
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Mpulse
Novice
Mar 25, 2017, 9:23 AM
Post #1 of 9
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1989 Ford engine light issue
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My son bought a 1989 Ford f250 with a 351 Windsor engine. When he drives about 8 miles the check engine light comes on. A minute or so later the red engine light comes on. He's noticed when he is on the gas his oil pressure is fine but when he lets off thegas the oil pressure drops completely and the red light comes on. I'm nowhere near a mechanic so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
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kev2
Veteran
Mar 25, 2017, 10:03 AM
Post #2 of 9
(3832 views)
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Re: 1989 Ford engine light issue
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Limit operation till we figure this out...
start by checking oil - level, clean, maybe would want to replace oil and filter - then you are sure of correct oil and filter. Suggest WIX, PURALATOR filters, or the
motorcraft OEM brand.
The next step would be checking oil pressure - will need a mechanical oil pressure gauge.
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Mpulse
Novice
Mar 25, 2017, 10:25 AM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: 1989 Ford engine light issue
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Yes, all the fluids are fine, I'll have him check the rest then we can go from there.
Thanks!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 25, 2017, 12:07 PM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: 1989 Ford engine light issue
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RED lights mean biz - don't run engine on most vehicles. If an oil pressure not level problem which this sounds like you must know oil is really full. That warning light in red should show an oil can icon like a manual oiler thing.
Amber may be used for low oil or say in English "Check Oil" first many don't work!
Hate to say you should dump that oil and filter and measure how much came out. Check for odor of fuel also as that would thin the oil way too much and cause this too first then ruin the engine and probably more oil out than it calls for.
This is the sign of a worn engine oil PRESSURE light flicker when warm at idle or sometimes slowing down hard can't keep up.
Suggestions include a real oil pressure reading with a gauge to know it's OK or not. If just worn or wearing you decide. A thicker grade of oil may help but don't go nuts. Should call for 5w-30 consider a 10-30. There are thicker oils but at some point that's harmful.
If almost game over and only if well known this is it for the engine you can spike idle speed on this up a couple hundred RPM only will raise oil pressure - save that for last ditch fakes for a worn engine that is on its way out,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 25, 2017, 1:04 PM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: 1989 Ford engine light issue
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How many miles on this thing?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Mpulse
Novice
Mar 26, 2017, 5:05 AM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: 1989 Ford engine light issue
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144000
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 26, 2017, 6:45 AM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: 1989 Ford engine light issue
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Should be nothing to this. Still deal with them and many past. #1 killer is lack of proper oil changing! Now at age you can't allow PCV grommet way down back to rot out and if so will self contaminate oil, sludge comes, oil screen can't pick up enough oil fast enough and in no time plain wears out.
It's totally possible with about anything if a leak of oil for any reason it was run low in no time you age 20 years or kill an engine right away. Your signs are exactly low oil pressure because of leaking down thru worn bearings before it can satisfy the oil pressure minimum so light comes on.
Hey - same symptoms can be other things so don't give up but find out so you know whether to go nuts on this about it or if it's time to change the vehicle out. Not thrilled with the rebuilds and used now would be really iffy IMO,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 26, 2017, 8:31 AM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: 1989 Ford engine light issue
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I didn't see anywhere where someone has actually confirmed the pressure is actually low and not just an electrical problem.
You need to either test the pressure with a mechanical gauge or just go ahead and change the pressure switch if that is easier and cheaper.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 26, 2017, 11:40 AM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: 1989 Ford engine light issue
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I asked first reply w no response.
Another symptom if this is what I think (worn out now) is a dull knock when at idle and slow for RED oil light to go out upon a cold start especially. Hope I'm wrong as the miles alone aren't the problem any engine with lack of lube for any reason is going wear quickly older or newer,
T
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