Trouble with oil high/low on Landcruiser

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 14:44
ThreadID: 75166 Views:12390 Replies:8 FollowUps:6
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Hi Folks

Our oil gauge in the dash on our 1987 HJ60 landcruiser (2H motor) is giving us concern. When Chris starts the car the needle rises to the normal level but when we are sat idling at lights etc the needle drops right back. Once we are moving again the needle comes back up but will then drop slightly again.

The oil level on the dipstick is still showing full and we don't usually have to add any oil between oil changes each 5000kms.

Just wonder if anyone can help out with some info.
Many thanks
Lyn
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Reply By: Member - Alan H (QLD) - Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 15:00

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 15:00
Lyn

Sounds normal to me! That what happened to a 60 and a 80 series I owned.

The only real problem I had with my 60 was keeping the crankshaft pulley on. (It came off twice)

Alan
AnswerID: 399179

Follow Up By: ShootingStars5 - Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 15:05

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 15:05
We've had her for over 5 years Alan & this has just started to happen. Hoping there's no hidden nasties about to come on the scene.

Cheers
Lyn
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FollowupID: 668171

Follow Up By: Member - ross m (WA) - Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 18:55

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 18:55
The 1st thing I do when the pressure gauge behaves weird,is to get a mechanical gauge and plug it into the sensor location and get an accurate reading.

You can get the sensors for about $30-40 and they are the same as many other Toyotas of the same vintage
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FollowupID: 668210

Follow Up By: fisho64 - Wednesday, Jan 20, 2010 at 21:57

Wednesday, Jan 20, 2010 at 21:57
100 series TD had a "service bulletin" to replace the gauge sender units. Mine was doing exactly as you describe. Try what ross suggested or "borrow" a sensor and try it.
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FollowupID: 669543

Reply By: The Boss (Formerly Kroozer) - Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 15:13

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 15:13
The oil pressure should be lower when at idle then when accelerating, thats normal. But if its dropping back down again when at cruising speed, it could be any number of things.

Faulty gauge
Faulty sender
Oil pump on its way out
Oil too thick/contaminated

The pressure should remain the same if your revs remain the same.
AnswerID: 399181

Follow Up By: Wherehegon - Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 15:28

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 15:28
Got to agree with the Boss, while under continuous throttle the pressure should stay the same. Normally pressure will be a bit higher first thing in the morning when cold and will drop off a bit when warmed up. Dropping off while still under throttle there is an issue. If you have had it 5 years and you have noticed the change then its not normal. Could be one of the 4 things the boss has mentioned and I would definitely getting it checked out asap before some thing lets go due to lack of oil. Could be as mentioned just a faulty sender (hopefully it is) but maybe its fine and giving you the warning that its designed for!! Regards Steve
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FollowupID: 668172

Reply By: Member - Wamuranman - Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 16:09

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 16:09
Here is the page from the owners manual which shows the acceptable oil pressure range:

Image Could Not Be Found

Cheers
AnswerID: 399192

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 16:28

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 16:28
That's normal on the 60series. The oil pressure senders lose their calibration over time. Toyota got wise on other models and solved the problem by doing away with the gauge!
AnswerID: 399195

Reply By: guzzi - Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 18:47

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 18:47
Its old an its an electrical guage.
Simple things first, clean all the earths in the engine bay, the neg terminal and the engine to chassis earth at both ends.
See how that goes.
If that doesnt work change the sender.
AnswerID: 399232

Reply By: qubert - Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 20:29

Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 20:29
clean oil relief valve and replace spring and oil filter. spring is and releases under pressure
AnswerID: 399248

Reply By: Member - Old Girl (QLD) - Thursday, Jan 14, 2010 at 01:05

Thursday, Jan 14, 2010 at 01:05
Hi Lyn
My old girl 92 T/D 80 1HD was rebuilt this time last year. We too had trouble with the oil gauge after a hard run in at easter. While cold it would go 1/4 then up the road it would register zilch. Tried 2 senders made sure the cables wernt squashed from the motor coming out. Even pulled the dash out to recalibrate something in there. Still no change. Since then its done about 25,000ks including the Cape. I keep en evil eye on the temp gauge and usually have to put a litre of oil in about 800ks. Strangely enough while towing the level on the dip stick stays at full. Been back to the same mechanic many times to double check everything. While hot the oil pressure is 75 which im told is normal. I have been meaning to put an extra gauge in but after 25000 ks if it was going to go bang it would have happened ages ago (touch wood actually make that a stump). I would be keen to see what other replies you get.
Cheers
Sharon
AnswerID: 399297

Follow Up By: Member - Old Girl (QLD) - Thursday, Jan 14, 2010 at 01:12

Thursday, Jan 14, 2010 at 01:12
While hot I should have also mentioned while the mechanic had me reving it in the front yard after it was towed home from our Easer trip. Was to scared to drive it.
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FollowupID: 668268

Reply By: 60series_adventurer - Wednesday, Jan 20, 2010 at 21:29

Wednesday, Jan 20, 2010 at 21:29
Hi Lyn,

We have a 84 60 series and the oil pressure sits on 1/4 when stationary and as we get going it rises. Sits on about 3/4 once u get going. has always done this so we are not too concerned.

Megan
AnswerID: 400387

Follow Up By: ShootingStars5 - Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 at 17:44

Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 at 17:44
Thanks Megan

We've installed another sender and ours now does the same as what you say. So we can only conclude that the past 6 or so years we've had the old dear the gauge hasn't been working properly at all!

Many thanks to you all for your help.
Cheers
Lyn
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FollowupID: 670839

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