M20 325e oil pressure problem (need help)

[cobraken]

Can someone that knows 325e engines please tell me what the problem is?

1986 325e 224k

Replaced oil pressure sending unit

Was running 20w50

No have 30w in it.

The thicker oil didnt help with my oil pressure light.

It comes on at 1000 rpm or lower. Its been somewhat gradaul id say within 6 months.

Does everyone think its the main bearings? It does have piston slap.

Anything I can do to fix this problem cheaply?

[Jordan]

Oil pump is on its way out.

[cobraken]

ok so if it is the pump, i see a pump is 145 bucks, new oil pan gasket? motor mounts?. how long do you think that job is? 3 hours?

Or should i just go ahead and put a 325i engine in it? I just put a freaking water pump on the car and a new radiator.

[AdamF 88iS]

Could be just the swtich that triggers the light though, I'd try that first since it's cheap and easy.

[cobraken]

What switch?

[DaN]

You already replaced it.

[AdamF 88iS]

You already replaced it.

Yea, oops.

[cobraken]

So I called this shop were i get all my parts and he says run some kersonine thru the engine a few times and that its probably a clogged screen on the oil pump??

So if im going to try and change the oil pump do i need an engine hoist? I hear you have to drop the sub frame out to get to the oil pan.