Expert: Vern Bullock - 6/25/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi

have a problem with engine lamp.I drove the car just 5miles and suddenly the engine oil lamp began to flush?(car stood over 10 years, but everything is almost new:sparkplugs,engine oil,oil filter,automatic oil,...)

I stopped the car after 1 mile.

Is this a specific problem with these 1967 Cadillacs?

Could it be low oil pressure because of pump failure or is it just a electrical problem (when I wanted to start the car 2 days after,Battery was fully unloaded(sometimes Genarator light stays on(think there is a born diode).

The oil captor is new too.(so  I suppose it is not the problem)

Do you have know about this specific Cadillac problem?

Thanks for responding

Rob from Luxembourg


ANSWER: Hi Rob:
Your 67 Caddy is one of the best ever built, so if you have brought her back to life correctly, there should be no problems. After sitting for 10 years, that tells me you has some really sensitive work to do (if she wasn't not put up correctly). For example, if she sat for 10 years with old fluids in her, then just changing them isn't enough. I hope she was put up dry. Otherwise you may have a lot more problems down the road than just an oil light.

Tell me how she was put up and brought back to life, and I will give you a better analysis of the possible problems. Thanks.

Any car that is going to sat for 10 years, should be completely drained of all fluids (including anti-freeze) and placed in a dry, climate controlled area. Otherwise, you are going to have to go through a lot to sucessfully bring it back to good operating condition. You have to be concerned about fluids gumming up pistons, rings, values, and lifters. Anti-freeze cratinf rust in engine, hoses, etc. Where ever there was fluids, there are possible porblems. Transmission, engine, Radiator, Power Steering, Brakes, etc.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Vern

thanks for quick responding.

Unfortunately the guy I bought the car did not start the engine during the 10 tens years(was stored inside) and let all fluids in it.

What I did is a change of 1) oil fluid + new oil filter,
(wanted to put AutoRX Cleaner inside (http://www.auto-rx.com),but will do it soon)

Flushed the automatic drive with an Justice Brothers cleaner and refilled with new fluid + additive of Justice Brothers

2)installed new spark plugs,condenser,distributor cap,contact set,
3)set timing(runs better with 10°before zero than 5°before)
4)new belts
5)new brakes and refilled with silicon brake fluid
6) new shocks
7)clean the water system and radiator with an Justice Brothers product
8) put a Justice Brothers product for power steering and refilled with new fluid (was nearly no oil in it)
9)some underbody work
10) rebuild the starter
11) new battery
that is the greatest part of the whole action

Thanks

Rob from Luxembourg

Answer
Hi Rob:
Sounds like you have done all the right things. Check the oil pressure. If you have good oil pressure at idle (around 2,000 to 3,000) then there isn't any leaks in the engine or blow gaskets that could cause this. Are you noticing any anti-freeze leaks or anti-freeze in the oil? This would be from a gasket that is not sealed, which could cause a drop in oil pressure. On the other hand, it is most likely a bad sensor. I would change the oil pressure switch if the car isn't showing any signs of pressure leakage in the engine.