99 Corolla - Oil Light On and Engine Rattling

[SeventyFourThirty]

Sorry I am at work at cannot search the forums looking for similar answers...1999 Corolla VE with 150K miles. The engine has been a little "noisy" for some time now but no probs. Last night oil light comes on while running errand so I got home checked oil and topped off. This morning on way to work oil light flickered then came on steady. No problem I thought as this has been a trend after changing or topping off and even Toyota dealer didn't know why but it corrects (light goes out) after a day or so. Today though, half way to work I thought I heard something so turn down radio and engine seems to be rattling pretty loud. Not to the point where I thought I should pull over and shut it down but close. Engine temp is fine and no apparent loss in engine power. Checked oil level when I got to work and looks fine. Any suggestions or idea? Just an old, tired engine or about to blow up? Thanks!!!

[Sl7rips]

sounds exactly like what happened to my car and i ignored it somewhat and now im in for an engine rebuild.... i think u should take it to the toyota dealer and have them run there Diagnostic on it. it will cost anywhere from $45 to $90 and they will find the exact problem wrong with it . then u can fix it or just have them do it for a overpriced fee

it also may just be a part of the timing system also

[huangxin]

since you said you checked the oil level after you got home, i assumed that you drove with the oil light on. this most likely has damaged your bearings and when the bearing clearance gets too much, the oil will escape out and cause the oil pressure hard to build up even when the pump is working and level is full.

[2000corollaaz]

Do you know if you have sludge problems? Engine may be on the way out.

[SeventyFourThirty]

The oil light has been coming on after top-offs and dealer oil changes for over 2 years and goes away after a few days. The last change was 4 months ago and I changed it myself. Used a good oil and good filter as recommended by posters here) and the light didn't come on. Mecahnic friend says change it again and now use 10W-50 does this sound right? I grounded the car last week. Today took it to work. Performance is still good no overheating. The oil light didn't come on until about 20 miles into the trip to work. Flickered, then steady, then out, then flickered.

[2000corollaaz]

I believe your friend meant 20w50 oil. It won't hurt anything but probably won't help either.

You may want to look into Auto RX, http://www.auto-rx.com, i've had great results from the product.