Oil & Fuel Oil pressure light on - does this mean a new oil pump? How difficult is that repair?

[DonRichmond]

I have a LK3054 Kioti with a 3A165B 3 cylinder diesel. The oil pressure light has come on and stays on. In my rather limited mechanical mind, that means it needs a new oil pump - is that a safe assumption? And how difficult a repair is that to do? Not sure if there's anyone in my rather rural area that works on them, but I'll be checking into that. Thanks for any help!

 

[LouNY]

How long was it run with the light on?
How is the oil level? If good,
replace the switch with a gauge, crank it over with the fuel shut off and see
if the gauge registers any pressure, if good your good, replace the switch and go.
If no pressure you have a major problem.
Luck

 

[wagne223]

I have a LK3054 Kioti with a 3A165B 3 cylinder diesel. The oil pressure light has come on and stays on. In my rather limited mechanical mind, that means it needs a new oil pump - is that a safe assumption? And how difficult a repair is that to do? Not sure if there's anyone in my rather rural area that works on them, but I'll be checking into that. Thanks for any help!

Can't help with your tractor specifically, however, in the engine repair industry as a whole, the first step would be to verify the engines oil pressure with a mechanical gauge connected to a pressure port on the engine. Usually by removing the lights electrical sensor.

That way you know if you actually have an engine issue or a light circuit issue.

 

[DonRichmond]

Not run at all, or very briefly, with the light on. Revved it up a bit to see if it would go off at higher RPMs - it didn't, so I shut it down. I changed the oil, thinking it might just be gunked up, so oil is full and fresh. Thanks for the tip - will mess with the switch and check it out.

 

[VictorW]

Oil pressure sending units/pressure switchs can go bad and more often than an oil pump. Try to do as LouNY mentioned. I hope a quick and inexpensive fix.

 

[DonRichmond]

Oil pressure sending units/pressure switchs can go bad and more often than an oil pump. Try to do as LouNY mentioned. I hope a quick and inexpensive fix.

Thanks VictorW. The tractor only has about 250 hours on it, so it doesn't seem like an oil pump would go out that quickly - at least I hope so!

 

[flyerdan]

Most oil pressure switches complete the ground circuit to light up the bulb. Disconnect the wire from the sender and turn the switch on, if the oil light is still on there is a short to ground somewhere in the wire (ground) going to the bulb. If the light is off, I'd suspect the sender may be bad, it could be gunked up to where it won't open, or have a rip in the diaphragm. Pay attention to the threads if using an adapter for a test gauge, some Japanese auto makers used BSP threads for senders for a long time, not sure if it extends to tractors but a mismatch could cause an irritating seep.
Agree that it's unlikely that an oil pump should fail so soon, hopefully the sender is the culprit.

 

[xcgreene]

According to the LK30 manual, the oil pressure switch indicates a light at 7psi or less. Idle speed oil pressure should be more than 7.11 psi. Rated speed oil pressure should be 36 to 64 psi.

Something to go by when testing.


Another option would be to remove the pressure switch, pressure it up to above 7psi with whatever means you may have access to (fittings, air compressor and regulator) and see if the contact closes with a multimeter. This way you don't have to run your tractor to see if the switch is bad, if you are worried.

A clogged oil filter can cause low pressure, and is cheap to change.

Clean out your oil pressure relief valve, it may be sticking and its easy clean.

 

[DonRichmond]

Thanks to all - I replaced the pressure switch and that seems to have solved the problem - thankfully! Sure appreciate the help and advice - thanks again!

 

[Kioti Paul]

DonRichmond,

I (for one) really appreciate your post letting everyone know what fixed your problem.

So many threads start with someone posting a problem, followed by many suggestions... but never a follow up on what actually cured the sick tractor.

Many years from now, someone with the same problem will be able to search all the threads, find your original post, with several great tips, & learn what actually fixed the problem.

Thanks (& I'm glad it turned out to be a cheap & easy fix)