Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
Sorry. You said "CEL is NOT going off" which I interpreted to mean CEL is staying on.
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
You should change your oil rings Andy Vanis USA and Whatsapp +1(505) 304-5306
On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 11:13?AM Eric Freudenthal via <eric= [email protected]> wrote: My ej22 drinks 1 qt of 10w-30 every 10h.? Should I use a heavier oil?? ?If so, which??
Get
Terry,
?
The ej22 and Svx both take heavier oil than the EJ25. 10w40 if my memory is correct. I’ve had oil light issues on both of those engines when run on 5w30.?
?
Swap to heavier oil and I suspect your issue will go away and your motor will be happy.?
?
Ransom Richardson
Small Car Performance/Crooked Finger Designs
Eric Freudenthal
sent from my mobile
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
My ej22 drinks 1 qt of 10w-30 every 10h.? Should I use a heavier oil?? ?If so, which??
Get
Terry,
?
The ej22 and Svx both take heavier oil than the EJ25. 10w40 if my memory is correct. I’ve had oil light issues on both of those engines when run on 5w30.?
?
Swap to heavier oil and I suspect your issue will go away and your motor will be happy.?
?
Ransom Richardson
Small Car Performance/Crooked Finger Designs
Eric Freudenthal
sent from my mobile
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
I purchased a Westy with an EJ22 in 2016 that had been professionally converted at RMW in 2013. I would get very low oil pressure at hot idle that would occasionally trigger the light. All other aspects of the engine seemed fine. Running heavier weight oil definitely helped the issue, as I installed a gauge and monitored it closely in all driving conditions.
I still wasn’t happy with my pressures even running 10-40 weight, but I wasn’t ready to tear the engine apart to chase the cause of low oil pressure. So I opted for a stop gap. I purchased an STI oil pump from a 2003 STI and it bolted right up. These pumps push about twice the volume of the stock 1990 EJ22 oil pump; per tables of pump flow I found online by year and model type. That extra volume capacity resulted in approximately double the oil pressure in all conditions. I was able to switch back to 10-30 weight oil and now have good idle and running pressures, even when hot. When cold, I hit the 80 PSI bypass on the pump, but that hasn’t turned out to be an issue.
It’s now been 8 years, and the engine is still going strong. I monitor the oil condition during changes by sending samples to Blackstone. None of those reports have suggested there is abnormal wear occurring internally. So, I never explained why my oil pressure was so low, but my stop gap solution is now semi-permanent.
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
Sounds like a loose or bad ground. Tap the top of the cluster cover and see if that helps. I rerouted the ground coming off of the 15-pin connector and solved the same problem in Freedom.
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Duncan
--
Freedom van Go
1989 Westy, 3.3L SVX
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
Some rebuilds opt for the higher output oil pump . the fit is perfect .
?
I wondered if there any way higher output (pressure) from a larger oil pump may be tricking ?the ECU ?.
Is there a census of how common the upgrade is ?
M
?
?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Ransom Horner-Richardson via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 7:38 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
?
The ej22 and Svx both take heavier oil than the EJ25. 10w40 if my memory is correct. I’ve had oil light issues on both of those engines when run on 5w30.?
Swap to heavier oil and I suspect your issue will go away and your motor will be happy.?
Small Car Performance/Crooked Finger Designs
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
Are you using an OEM Subaru oil filter??
On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 8:38?AM Ransom Horner-Richardson via <ransom.richardson= [email protected]> wrote:
Terry,
?
The ej22 and Svx both take heavier oil than the EJ25. 10w40 if my memory is correct. I’ve had oil light issues on both of those engines when run on 5w30.?
?
Swap to heavier oil and I suspect your issue will go away and your motor will be happy.?
?
Ransom Richardson
Small Car Performance/Crooked Finger Designs
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
Terry,
?
The ej22 and Svx both take heavier oil than the EJ25. 10w40 if my memory is correct. I’ve had oil light issues on both of those engines when run on 5w30.?
?
Swap to heavier oil and I suspect your issue will go away and your motor will be happy.?
?
Ransom Richardson
Small Car Performance/Crooked Finger Designs
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
I wonder if this condition has occurred on the Subaru forums and what they had to say about it.
Andy Vanis?
505-304-5306 USA and WhatsApp
Hello All,I just had the same issue with a SVX conversion. Same symtoms and tries Terry did so far. My only difference is my van sat for a year.? My next thing to try is dropping the oil pan and check the pickup tube for a clogged screen.
Derek On Mon, Jan 13, 2025 at 7:04 PM, Terry Cline via Thanks Andy – ? Built for me Sept – Nov 2022. Probably about 10k or less on the new engine. ? Cesar gets the call tomorrow morning…! ? The most recent work they did for me was replacing the fuel injectors, including a full oil/oil filter/air filer/oxygen sensor change just last October. ? Terry ? ? When did Cesar build it for you (year/miles since then) What did he say when you asked him? Andy Vanis USA and Whatsapp +1(505) 304-5306 ? ? Hi – Got the Subaru 2.2L conversion in my ’87 vanagon, built by Cesar and team at California Westy in El Cajon. ? The oil pressure light somewhat sporadically comes on, trying to diagnose. What I have done so far: - Replaced oil and oil filter, using 5w-30 Pennzoil. Did this myself to be sure I have the correct amount of oil as recommended by Ca Westy (4.5 quarts)
- There is NO engine oil leak. I check every day, no oil on the garage floor.
- Replaced the oil pressure sensor. I have to say, the old one looked fine – clean and new looking, not oily or covered in grease/mud/dirt. Learned a bit about the alternator as well! But, no noticeable difference – the light still comes on as described below.
? Symptoms: The engine starts as expected – the oil pressure light comes on for a few seconds, then goes off. While the engine is relatively cold, the light stays off. But if it is warmed up to normal operating temp, and I then stop for a few minutes, the light tends to start blinking once the engine is started and I drive again. It then stays on, does not go off. ? CEL is NOT going off. ? From what I can observe, the vehicle does not show any other obvious signs of distress. The engine temp stays in the normal range, no weird mechanical noises, engine seems to be running “fine”, no loss of power, or any other signs of an engine about to fail. ? Next steps? Oil pump check and/or replace? Reasonable ?job for hobbiests or for professionals only? ? ? Thanks guys! ? Terry ? ? ? ? ? ?
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
Hello All, I just had the same issue with a SVX conversion. Same symtoms and tries Terry did so far. My only difference is my van sat for a year.? My next thing to try is dropping the oil pan and check the pickup tube for a clogged screen.
On Mon, Jan 13, 2025 at 7:04 PM, Terry Cline via groups.io <tcline001@...> wrote: Thanks Andy – ? Built for me Sept – Nov 2022. Probably about 10k or less on the new engine. ? Cesar gets the call tomorrow morning…! ? The most recent work they did for me was replacing the fuel injectors, including a full oil/oil filter/air filer/oxygen sensor change just last October. ? Terry ? ? When did Cesar build it for you (year/miles since then) What did he say when you asked him? Andy Vanis USA and Whatsapp +1(505) 304-5306 ? ? Hi – Got the Subaru 2.2L conversion in my ’87 vanagon, built by Cesar and team at California Westy in El Cajon. ? The oil pressure light somewhat sporadically comes on, trying to diagnose. What I have done so far: - Replaced oil and oil filter, using 5w-30 Pennzoil. Did this myself to be sure I have the correct amount of oil as recommended by Ca Westy (4.5 quarts)
- There is NO engine oil leak. I check every day, no oil on the garage floor.
- Replaced the oil pressure sensor. I have to say, the old one looked fine – clean and new looking, not oily or covered in grease/mud/dirt. Learned a bit about the alternator as well! But, no noticeable difference – the light still comes on as described below.
? Symptoms: The engine starts as expected – the oil pressure light comes on for a few seconds, then goes off. While the engine is relatively cold, the light stays off. But if it is warmed up to normal operating temp, and I then stop for a few minutes, the light tends to start blinking once the engine is started and I drive again. It then stays on, does not go off. ? CEL is NOT going off. ? From what I can observe, the vehicle does not show any other obvious signs of distress. The engine temp stays in the normal range, no weird mechanical noises, engine seems to be running “fine”, no loss of power, or any other signs of an engine about to fail. ? Next steps? Oil pump check and/or replace? Reasonable ?job for hobbiests or for professionals only? ? ? Thanks guys! ? Terry ? ? ? ? ? ?
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Re: What oil (brand and viscosity) are folks using?
10w-30 from walmart's?house brand since I excised an ej22 from a 92 legacy that had been driven 80k miles maybe 8 years?ago.? ?I've generally been using their synthetic.? ?Needs an additional quart for every 10 hours of (highway) driving at 80ish mph. On Thu, Jan 9, 2025 at 4:23?PM Peter Gibson via <soquel.dude= [email protected]> wrote: Hi!
?
I have a 1990 Westy GL AT with an EJ22 conversion.
?
What oil are folks using in the Suby engines?
?
Thanks!
-- Eric Freudenthal Ph.D. (he/his/him/himself) Spouse, dad, friend < eric@...> It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.? George Washington, 1790
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
Thanks Andy – ? Built for me Sept – Nov 2022. Probably about 10k or less on the new engine. ? Cesar gets the call tomorrow morning…! ? The most recent work they did for me was replacing the fuel injectors, including a full oil/oil filter/air filer/oxygen sensor change just last October. ? Terry ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ANDREW via groups.io
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2025 6:53 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Oil pressure light coming on sporadically? When did Cesar build it for you (year/miles since then) What did he say when you asked him? Andy Vanis USA and Whatsapp +1(505) 304-5306 ? ? Hi – Got the Subaru 2.2L conversion in my ’87 vanagon, built by Cesar and team at California Westy in El Cajon. ? The oil pressure light somewhat sporadically comes on, trying to diagnose. What I have done so far: - Replaced oil and oil filter, using 5w-30 Pennzoil. Did this myself to be sure I have the correct amount of oil as recommended by Ca Westy (4.5 quarts)
- There is NO engine oil leak. I check every day, no oil on the garage floor.
- Replaced the oil pressure sensor. I have to say, the old one looked fine – clean and new looking, not oily or covered in grease/mud/dirt. Learned a bit about the alternator as well! But, no noticeable difference – the light still comes on as described below.
? Symptoms: The engine starts as expected – the oil pressure light comes on for a few seconds, then goes off. While the engine is relatively cold, the light stays off. But if it is warmed up to normal operating temp, and I then stop for a few minutes, the light tends to start blinking once the engine is started and I drive again. It then stays on, does not go off. ? CEL is NOT going off. ? From what I can observe, the vehicle does not show any other obvious signs of distress. The engine temp stays in the normal range, no weird mechanical noises, engine seems to be running “fine”, no loss of power, or any other signs of an engine about to fail. ? Next steps? Oil pump check and/or replace? Reasonable ?job for hobbiests or for professionals only? ? ? Thanks guys! ? Terry ? ? ? ? ? ?
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
Thanks – No CEL to date. Would we expect to get a code if the oil pump is going bad? ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Peter Gibson via groups.io
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2025 6:53 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SubaruVanagon] Oil pressure light coming on sporadically? If the CEL is on, what OBD1 codes can you see? From: Terry Cline via groups.io Sent: Monday, January 13, 2025 6:43 PM Subject: [SubaruVanagon] Oil pressure light coming on sporadically Hi – Got the Subaru 2.2L conversion in my ’87 vanagon, built by Cesar and team at California Westy in El Cajon. ? The oil pressure light somewhat sporadically comes on, trying to diagnose. What I have done so far: - Replaced oil and oil filter, using 5w-30 Pennzoil. Did this myself to be sure I have the correct amount of oil as recommended by Ca Westy (4.5 quarts)
- There is NO engine oil leak. I check every day, no oil on the garage floor.
- Replaced the oil pressure sensor. I have to say, the old one looked fine – clean and new looking, not oily or covered in grease/mud/dirt. Learned a bit about the alternator as well! But, no noticeable difference – the light still comes on as described below.
? Symptoms: The engine starts as expected – the oil pressure light comes on for a few seconds, then goes off. While the engine is relatively cold, the light stays off. But if it is warmed up to normal operating temp, and I then stop for a few minutes, the light tends to start blinking once the engine is started and I drive again. It then stays on, does not go off. ? CEL is NOT going off. ? From what I can observe, the vehicle does not show any other obvious signs of distress. The engine temp stays in the normal range, no weird mechanical noises, engine seems to be running “fine”, no loss of power, or any other signs of an engine about to fail. ? Next steps? Oil pump check and/or replace? Reasonable? job for hobbiests or for professionals only?? ? Thanks guys! ? Terry ? ? ? ? ? ?
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
If the CEL is on, what OBD1 codes can you see?
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From: Terry Cline via groups.io
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2025 6:43 PM
Subject: [SubaruVanagon] Oil pressure light coming on
sporadically
?
Hi – Got the Subaru 2.2L conversion in my ’87 vanagon, built
by Cesar and team at California Westy in El Cajon.
?
The oil pressure light somewhat sporadically comes on, trying
to diagnose. What I have done so far:
- Replaced oil and oil
filter, using 5w-30 Pennzoil. Did this myself to be sure I have the correct
amount of oil as recommended by Ca Westy (4.5 quarts)
- There is NO engine oil
leak. I check every day, no oil on the garage floor.
- Replaced the oil pressure
sensor. I have to say, the old one looked fine – clean and new looking, not
oily or covered in grease/mud/dirt. Learned a bit about the alternator as
well! But, no noticeable difference – the light still comes on as described
below.
?
Symptoms:
The engine starts as expected – the oil pressure light comes
on for a few seconds, then goes off. While the engine is relatively cold, the
light stays off. But if it is warmed up to normal operating temp, and I then
stop for a few minutes, the light tends to start blinking once the engine is
started and I drive again. It then stays on, does not go off.
?
CEL is NOT going off.
?
From what I can observe, the vehicle does not show any other
obvious signs of distress. The engine temp stays in the normal range, no weird
mechanical noises, engine seems to be running “fine”, no loss of power, or any
other signs of an engine about to fail.
?
Next steps? Oil pump check and/or replace? Reasonable?
job for hobbiests or for professionals only??
?
Thanks guys!
?
Terry
?
?
?
?
?
?
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Re: Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
When did Cesar build it for you (year/miles since then)
What did he say when you asked him? Andy Vanis USA and Whatsapp +1(505) 304-5306
Hi – Got the Subaru 2.2L conversion in my ’87 vanagon, built by Cesar and team at California Westy in El Cajon. ? The oil pressure light somewhat sporadically comes on, trying to diagnose. What I have done so far: - Replaced oil and oil filter, using 5w-30 Pennzoil. Did this myself to be sure I have the correct amount of oil as recommended by Ca Westy (4.5 quarts)
- There is NO engine oil leak. I check every day, no oil on the garage floor.
- Replaced the oil pressure sensor. I have to say, the old one looked fine – clean and new looking, not oily or covered in grease/mud/dirt. Learned a bit about the alternator as well! But, no noticeable difference – the light still comes on as described below.
? Symptoms: The engine starts as expected – the oil pressure light comes on for a few seconds, then goes off. While the engine is relatively cold, the light stays off. But if it is warmed up to normal operating temp, and I then stop for a few minutes, the light tends to start blinking once the engine is started and I drive again. It then stays on, does not go off. ? CEL is NOT going off. ? From what I can observe, the vehicle does not show any other obvious signs of distress. The engine temp stays in the normal range, no weird mechanical noises, engine seems to be running “fine”, no loss of power, or any other signs of an engine about to fail. ? Next steps? Oil pump check and/or replace? Reasonable ?job for hobbiests or for professionals only? ? ? Thanks guys! ? Terry ? ? ? ? ? ?
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Oil pressure light coming on sporadically
Hi – Got the Subaru 2.2L conversion in my ’87 vanagon, built by Cesar and team at California Westy in El Cajon. ? The oil pressure light somewhat sporadically comes on, trying to diagnose. What I have done so far: - Replaced oil and oil filter, using 5w-30 Pennzoil. Did this myself to be sure I have the correct amount of oil as recommended by Ca Westy (4.5 quarts)
- There is NO engine oil leak. I check every day, no oil on the garage floor.
- Replaced the oil pressure sensor. I have to say, the old one looked fine – clean and new looking, not oily or covered in grease/mud/dirt. Learned a bit about the alternator as well! But, no noticeable difference – the light still comes on as described below.
? Symptoms: The engine starts as expected – the oil pressure light comes on for a few seconds, then goes off. While the engine is relatively cold, the light stays off. But if it is warmed up to normal operating temp, and I then stop for a few minutes, the light tends to start blinking once the engine is started and I drive again. It then stays on, does not go off. ? CEL is NOT going off. ? From what I can observe, the vehicle does not show any other obvious signs of distress. The engine temp stays in the normal range, no weird mechanical noises, engine seems to be running “fine”, no loss of power, or any other signs of an engine about to fail. ? Next steps? Oil pump check and/or replace? Reasonable ?job for hobbiests or for professionals only? ? ? Thanks guys! ? Terry ? ? ? ? ? ?
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Re: What oil (brand and viscosity) are folks using?
Amsoil 0-30 and 5-30, seasonally.?
?
I have a 1990 Westy GL AT with an EJ22 conversion.
?
What oil are folks using in the Suby engines?
?
Thanks!
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Re: What oil (brand and viscosity) are folks using?
I've used Rotella T 15W40 from Day One of the conversion;? about 86,000 miles now.
Subaru recommends 15W40 for Severe Duty and I figure that pushing around my German Driving Apartment qualifies as such!
On Thu, Jan 9, 2025 at 3:27?PM Peter Gibson via <soquel.dude= [email protected]> wrote: I use 10W-30 synthetic non-detergent. Valvoline is usually my brand of choice, but I'm not stuck on it.
-- Jake
------------------------------------------
Crescent Beach, BC
-----------------------------------------------------
1984 GL 1.9 WBX
1986 Westy Weekender with 2000 2.5 SOHC Subaru, 5 speed transaxle & PosiTrac Differential
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To be sure you should talk to Kennedy. ?But I am 99% sure its the same.? SeanG 87 Syncro Impreza 2.5 SOHC.
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On Jan 10, 2025, at 1:21?AM, John via groups.io <bigfoot51102@...> wrote:
? I also am running the KEP adapter and when I ordered it they said the adapter would fit the EJ22 and EJ25 with no issues. Mine is a EJ25 from a 05 Impreza and had zero problems with the adapter fitment whatsoever. The engine cradle is another issue altogether.? On Jan 9, 2025, at 9:28?PM, connor warren via groups.io <connor_warren59@...> wrote:
? I’m running a KEP adapter plate, flywheel, pressure plate, carrier bar, and clutch on my 2006 Impreza SOHC EJ253. I initially used it on an EJ22. I’ve heard the EJ engines in Vanagons described as legos, and I feel it’s an accurate metaphor.?
Point being, it should work no problem. But maybe give KEP a call to confirm.?
On Jan 9, 2025, at 7:18?PM, Christoph Altehoefer via groups.io <cac@...> wrote:
? I’m planning on doing another engine conversion on my ‘91 MT Vanagon. Currently I have a ?EJ 25 DOHC from a 1998 Forester. I could have a low mileage 2004 Imprezza engine. My question is, can I use my current Kennedy adapter plate and all the other components? They are both EJ 25 engines, except the new one is a SOHC. I also have the complete wiring harness from the Imprezza.?
Thanks for your help.?
Christoph
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Morning Christoph. ?I put together a few notes related to upgrading your engine from a 98 DOHC ej25 to a 04 SOHC ej25.
Kennedy Adapter plate Direct swap. Engine Mount Should be able to directly swap. ?I’d suggest new mount/pads while you’re in there. Wiring Harness You’ll need to remove your old harness. ?Reconvert/install new 04 harness and all related electricals. Intake ducting Direct swap Coolant Plumbing Direct swap
Oil Pan Direct swap
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On Jan 9, 2025, at 9:18?PM, Christoph Altehoefer via groups.io <cac@...> wrote:
I’m planning on doing another engine conversion on my ‘91 MT Vanagon. Currently I have a ?EJ 25 DOHC from a 1998 Forester. I could have a low mileage 2004 Imprezza engine. My question is, can I use my current Kennedy adapter plate and all the other components? They are both EJ 25 engines, except the new one is a SOHC. I also have the complete wiring harness from the Imprezza.?
Thanks for your help.?
Christoph
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SoquelDude
Duncan
Dr Mark
Terry Cline
Bob Stevens
Brent Weide