oil light is on at idle only

[88' camry v6 LE]

My oil light has just started to come on at an idle after it has warmed up. I'm guessing that my oil pump is bad now. any other ideas?
I have also just replaced all cam seals so the car wouldn't leak oil anymore and be wasted. the issue no is that I'm still losing oil some how. I have full engine power and have not notice any smoke coming out of the tail pipe. My car also isn't leaking any oil at all anymore.


as always thanks for the help guys, Jon

[Zembonez]

Wear in main and rod bearings is a major source of oil pressure loss. It's quite possible that the engine is due for a rebuild. I doubt the pump is just croaking, but if a high pressure or HD pump is available for it, it might add enough pressure to bump the idle pressure enough to run a bit longer..

[white90dx]

Originally Posted by 88' camry v6 LE

My oil light has just started to come on at an idle after it has warmed up. I'm guessing that my oil pump is bad now. any other ideas?
I have also just replaced all cam seals so the car wouldn't leak oil anymore and be wasted. the issue no is that I'm still losing oil some how. I have full engine power and have not notice any smoke coming out of the tail pipe. My car also isn't leaking any oil at all anymore.


as always thanks for the help guys, Jon

The oil pump may be bad... but I would be more concerned that you have serious bearing wear. The V6 is known to eat crank and rod bearings, especially at the mileage you are at. Oil burning could be normal blow-by at this age. How much are you losing/burning?

Do you hear any knocking (cluck-clunk sounding) coming from the engine? It will still have full power, or close to it, even with bad bearings (for a while....).

-Charlie

[holmesnmanny]

Might want to make sure ur oil isn't moving into the cooling system.

[WhippinCamry]

Is it possible that its a bad or leaky oil pressure sensor?

thats my only thought. could be worth a check. there pretty cheap.

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by WhippinCamry

Is it possible that its a bad or leaky oil pressure sensor?

thats my only thought. could be worth a check. there pretty cheap.

You make a valid point. OP does need to confirm that the indicated oil pressure is in fact correct. Using a temporary mechanical gauge would confirm it.

[WhippinCamry]

also check around the valve cover. if youve got a little money to spend. replace the valve cover gasket? its easy to do. make sure your drain plugs tight.

i would check simple things first.