86 Oil light comes on and off at certain times.

[joel_kellom]

Hello everyone, I just recently bought an 86 4runner, 22re, 5-speed. Soon after driving it on my own I noticed when I start it the oil light slowly comes on dimly and goes out. Most noticeably the oil light comes on to full brightness when I accelerate out of an intersection or when I give it more throttle after shifting.

I originally thought the oil was just low as it was reading low on the dip stick. I dumped a quart in and it went strait to full, however the problem still persists.

So could it be low oil pressure? If so what would the cause be? :noidea:

 

[92-SR5]

Check the sending unit

 

[77'911]

You might consider an oil pressure test. It could be a bad sender, if not might have sludge. If sludge, you might consider running a quart of ATF at your next oil change. The detergent in the ATF will clean the sludge to a degree. Make sure the weight of the oil is within Toyota spec. They are thinning out oils today which older engines don't appreciate very much.
regards

 

[joel_kellom]

Additional question: Do I have to drain the engine oil in order to replace the sender or can i replace it without making a puddle?