As a few of you already know i have been driving my 92 civic hatch happily for a few months. i love it..

I have noticed one thing that has been bothering me since i dropped the GSR engine in -The Oil pressure light stays on for 1-2 seconds after a cold start.

It is my opinion that this should not be happening but common discussions on the internet claim that this is "normal" so i figured i would ask azine

- i have issues trusting my engine to some 16 year olds on the internet. -

 

Hi phee

An oil pressure light is activated by a sending unit on the engine. Once the sending unit senses oil pressure, it sends a signal to activate the light. This isn't done in increments, it's either on or off. You may also be surprised to know that most factory oil gauges work in the same manner. The gauge may show somewhat of an oil reading, but often it's always in the same place. It may show oil pressure, but it's not measuring anything.

In your situation, it's not entirely uncommon for a car to act in this manner. Keep in mind it takes a second or two for the oil to pressurize throughout the engine. Other times a faulty or deteriorated sending unit can have a little bit of lag time as well. I would replace the sending unit and see it this helps. Generally, I wouldn't be overly concerned about it if it's no longer than about two seconds.

You should post a pic of this car. I know you've done a tremendous amount of work to it.

 

Terry, the car looks identical to when i bought it. Most of the work has been under the hood and in the interior. i have finally found all the plastic panelling and all i need is a Glove box.

The glove box is incredibly rare to find in good condition as the hinges break frequently.

Also, thanks for your help. i will be buying the unit today (it's only 15 dollars )

 

I wouldn't be surprised if there was another second, one way or the other, in gauge response time with extremes in outside temp and oil viscosity, too.

 

My old B series engine used to do the same thing in my EF Hatch, I always used to think it was the oil pressure sensor or oil pump but after a while I just left it alone, but when I did my b20 vtec motor it went away which was weird so I honestly don't know what to tell you, but my friend who walked me through my whole swap years ago says that it is normal for the oil light to come on for a second or 2 and go away.


not sure if that helps but he says this happens is swaps most of the time. He says it might just be because its old...lol

 

lol. its a fresh b18c

 

Yeah i miss my b20 vtec moster had itb N/A setup putting 275 wheel HP 8200 rpm limit. it was a monsterI was running 12's with the car on street tires ran 11.9 on slicks, I should have kept it but I wanted something newer at the time.

And the funniest thing was I still had AC and full interior people used to always give me props for that.

 

Try a different oil filter. Maybe the ADBV is bad.

 

Replaced the switch and the oil filter and he light stays on for 1 sec. That's good enough for me. Now to get this new fuel pump

 

Yeah if it stay on for one second I personally think you are good my friend, but get rid of that stock fuel pump mine crapped out on me in my 91 ef hatch at about 400k but once i put that new on in I ran that car into the ground till I sold it. did you get a j spec b18 or a usdm if I may be so bold and curious?

 

I'd hook up a gauge just to be sure rather than rely on the idiot light.