Volvo 760GLE. 1985. Oil warning light

with a car this old, it is the sender or sensor, rather than something more serious?

The senders on that engine are notorious for failing. It's a really dumb design that allows a certain amount of oil past a spring loaded plunger. Also this bypassed oil has to be able to drain back into the oil pan freely.

with a car this old, it is the sender or sensor, rather than something more serious?

How many miles? When does the light come on? At idle? on the overrun? at high revs? It *could* be the sender/sensor, could just be general wear, tell us more details as above, it may help diagnosis. If it comes on at idle on a hot engine on a car that has covered a zillion miles, don't worry, the oil pump is tired, just as you would expect on such a car. If it comes on at any other time you need to investigate quickly! Regards, MadNurseGaz

with a car this old, it is the sender or sensor, rather than something more serious?

Sometimes the biodegradable insulation from the sender unit falls off, allowing the sender wire to get grounded intermittently. This will flicker your oil light.

Regards,

Boris Mohar

Got Knock? - see: Viatrack Printed Circuit Designs

Check the wire at the sending unit. The insulation cracks and falls off causing it to short to the alternator.

that with a car this old, it is the sender or sensor, rather than something more serious?