Oil Pressure drop at idling series 2a diesel

[Grantp]

I acquired a 1965 series 2a with standard 2.25 diesel motor. The oil pressure drops at idling but the light does go out if idling is turned up just a tad.

Is this a common problem and where do I start looking for the cause.

[secondjeremy]

What oil are you using? Land Rover recommend 20-50 - so if you're using a 15 - 40 or similar it may be a bit thin and show a low pressure at idle.

Speeding up the idle is OK especially if the original speed was very low. However if its idling really fast just to keep the light out - you've got problems.

Some of these engines seem a bit prone to oil surge on braking - make sure its at the full mark.

May be worth giving it an oil and filter change.

[Phil Hancock]

It could also be a lazy oil light switch.

[lexi]

As replies above. Do and check all that, then if it no better, put an oil pressure gauge on it and see if OP really is dropping. Genuine low pressure at idle will do timing chain no good at all.

Many causes for low oil pressure from sludge, worn oil pump, main bearings etc. Hopefully the sender unit is dodgy.

[blatherskite]

Had the same issue a few weeks ago. Solution in our case was to change the oil and filter. The pressure switch is downstream the filter, and with it being clogged, needed some revs to push the oil through.