S40 V40: oil pump problem v40 1.8 petrol 2004

[Jon Hughes]

I've got a problem with my V40. The oil pressure light has come on. I have been advised that the oil pump is faulty and this has affected the timing. The car makes a rattling noise when the light comes on otherwise it seems to run ok. The oil light comes on intermitently. The garage says they can put a new oil pump on for approximately £400 but cant guarantee that theres no other damage. Its only done 77000 miles. Could anyone advise please if they have come across this problem before and if you think the oil pump would solve the problem. Thanks

[canis]

How long did you run it with the light on? Are you able to undertake the work yourself? Do you know someone who is?

Truth is, there's not really any way to tell how much damage the engine might have incurred. There are tests you could perform, but you'll need to fix it first. Nobody can guarantee the fix though, since oil is obviously vital to an engine and lacking oil is highly destructive. Replacing the pump obviously can't undo any damage oil starvation will have caused. The only question is; how major?

£400, does that include the new part? Presumably they'll be also putting on new belts while they're at it.

Oil affects everything, not just timing. But what other choice have you got?

[canis]

Hang on... you say it's intermittent? Does this happen particularly when going round corners?

Have you dipped the oil with the dipstick?

[Baffler]

Hello and welcome!

Sounds as though the Variable Valve Timing solenoid is playing up...do a search for same.

[Jon Hughes]

Thanks. I ran it about 2 miles with the light on. Its a local garage thats give me the £400 estimated price and that includes the pump. Theyve said it could be more if theres other damage. when the light came on originally I checked the oil level and it was ok. I took it to the garage and they said it was probably the switch so a new one was fitted.We then drove it for 2 or 3 miles and the light came on again and there was a slight tappit noise but only when the oil light on. we got the AA out and he said it was a timing issue possibly caused a faulty oil pump. The light doesnt come on just when going round corners.

[Jon Hughes]

Thanks I'll look into the variable valve timing solenoid

[canis]

Originally Posted by Baffler

Sounds as though the Variable Valve Timing solenoid is playing up...do a search for same.

Hmm. That wouldn't put the oil light on though. But lack of pressure would affect valve timing.

[canis]

Originally Posted by Jon Hughes

Thanks. I ran it about 2 miles with the light on. Its a local garage thats give me the £400 estimated price and that includes the pump. Theyve said it could be more if theres other damage. when the light came on originally I checked the oil level and it was ok. I took it to the garage and they said it was probably the switch so a new one was fitted.We then drove it for 2 or 3 miles and the light came on again and there was a slight tappit noise but only when the oil light on. we got the AA out and he said it was a timing issue possibly caused a faulty oil pump. The light doesnt come on just when going round corners.

So it sounds like oil is getting pumped occasionally. Tappet noise will occur if there's no oil pressure because the tappets work hydraulically, and is also why they're sometimes rattley on cold starting because the oil isn't up to pressure yet.

This might be your saving grace, because running an engine without *any* oil is quickly fatal, but with the light off some of the time, you might get away without significant damage.

But £400 is a lot of money, so it'll have to be your call. How much is the car worth to you?

[Jon Hughes]

Thanks. A 2004 V40 is not worth much more but it's in good nick we've had it from new. Is it possible that sludge in the sump could be affecting the oil pump

[V40T4R]

Consider replacing oil pressure switch