Question: I have a 1997 Pathfinder with 66,000 miles that I do not drive often. After letting it sit for almost a month, I drove it on a weekend. It started and sounded well, however after driving it for a few blocks the oil light came on. I stopped the vehicle and checked the oil. It was a little dirty but it was registering full on the dip stick. I started the vehicle back up and heard what sounded like the valves ticking. I immediately turned the vehicle off and had it towed home. I changed the oil and filter and started the vehicle again. The oil light was off and it sounded well. However when it drove it a few blocks down the street the oil light came on again and I could hear what sounded like the valves ticking. Again, I turned the vehicle off and had it towed home. I have done all required maintence as scheduled and have no idea what is going on. Can you tell me what is going on?
Answer: Check the engines oil pressure with a master oil pressure gauge. It sounds like you have a plugged oil gallery from sitting, from what you describe. I don’t generally recommend this procedure unless you are a professional, you could do some more damage or create damage if you are not adept at this: Get some motor flush and start the engine up again and follow the directions to a tee.
See if the oil pressure returns after the flush and installing new oil and filter on the engine. Do not race the engine, let it idle normally. If the pressure does not return and the valve noise decrease you are probably looking at taking the oil pan off to check for a plugged or damaged oil pump or filter screen.
If you end up having the oil pan removed to inspect the oil pump and screen, it would be a good idea to go ahead and install a new oil pump and screen along with the appropriate gaskets while the oil pan is off. Removing and installing an oil pan is lots of work.
Realistically speaking, if you are not a professional mechanic, not having the engine checked by a professional is like making your own diagnosis on why you have a tremendous headache (not your car) or lump growing on your neck without seeing a doctor. Seek professional help if you are not mechanically inclined.
I hope this helps, GotEngines.com is, in effect pushing you to have a professional diagnose the issue. If you keep messing around you may need one of our rebuilt Nissan Pathfinder engines for sale. GotEngines.com @ 1-877-268-0664.
There are only two possibilities here, the Oil Pressure switch is bad or there is no oil pressure. Since the light was not on before you did the job, I think it’s safe to assume that the pump is not pumping.