Slightly Overheating

[momo88]

Hello guys, was wondering if you could help me out. But first ill give you all the info.

During the ridiculous cold winter we've had my low oil pressure light has been coming on when i first start the engine but disappears when the engine reaches normal temperature. Now i have the understanding that this is ok as its just the coldness thickening the oil and causing the engine to think that there is no oil pressure. But when the oil heats up its thins out and all is well.

-Can someone please clarify if that is indeed the case please?

This morning after about a 20 min motorway drive i arrived in the city centre and some traffic. I noticed that the temperature needle moved from the middle to about 3/4 up the gauge. I pulled over and saw that the fans weren't coming on. I let the engine cool down a bit then continued to where i was going, the temperature gauge moved back upto 3/4 but luckily not for long as i had reached my desintation.

I've made a search of the forum and looked into over peoples overheating problems. But im wondering if my two points are linked at all? Im not the best at understanding the engine mechanics but i do understand that the fan should be kicking in when the temp goes over midway. Im also guessing that the only reason that the temp was reading higher than halfway while i was on the motorway the air hiting the front of the car was obviously cooling the engine.

Looking over the search results i can see that there may be something small that is causing the problem, perhaps the thermostat or the switch that engages the fans?

Any help would be great, thanks.

Mo

[Steve ( West Mids )]

I would be worried about the oil and the explanation you have had. It is essential that oil comes up to pressure quickly and coats all the moving parts ASAP. If the oil is "thick" and the pump is working I would expect the oil pressure to be higher. So IMHO something is wrong there.

Although the above may well cause the engine to overheat you would expect the fans to come on so something different amiss there. Do not drive it if it's that hot as it will quickly blow the head gasket and more.

[momo88]

I would be worried about the oil and the explanation you have had. It is essential that oil comes up to pressure quickly and coats all the moving parts ASAP. If the oil is "thick" and the pump is working I would expect the oil pressure to be higher. So IMHO something is wrong there.

Although the above may well cause the engine to overheat you would expect the fans to come on so something different amiss there. Do not drive it if it's that hot as it will quickly blow the head gasket and more.

oh no :( if the oil pressure is low, surely the light would stay on after the temp has reached normal temp? As i never see the light come on again until im starting the engine from cold.

Im going to get the oil changed. And i will be looking over the coolant levels in a couple hours after the car has cooled down.