Oil Light comes on briefly

[ragtop2000]

I noticed my 79 Spider had a small oil leak after sitting in the same spot for about a week. I took it for a short drive and the oil light would come on for about 3 seconds when I was in 2nd or 3rd gear. 1st, 4th, & 5th gear no problem. I changed the oil & filter with Valvoline Max Life 20w/50. I also cleaned the areas around the distributor & oil pan so I could check for new leaks. So far (2 days) there are no visible oil leaks but the oil light is still coming on like it was before, but a little less frequently. I don't have a oil pressure gauge just the oil light, which I assume measures oil pressure not oil level. Is it safe to drive in this condition? Should I look for a sensor or elecrical problem? Any advice will be appreciated.

Jon

[Jazgeek]

hit any bumps lately?

Oil pan dented?

there's a pickup in there that can get damaged pretty easy.

[So Cal Mark]

it is not safe to drive the car that way; you stand a good chance of destroying the motor

[bradartigue]

Get another filter. At least I'd start there. I also think 20W50 is too heavy of an oil but that's me, some guys run it. I recommend Bosch filters, sold by Bayless, maybe others.

[mdrburchette]

I would hook up a mechanical oil gauge to it to see what pressure you have before driving it any further. I did this when the original oil gauge was reading low on my newly rebuilt engine:

[pope]

I agree with Mark and Brad that 20W-50 is too thick an oil. Fiat recommends 15w-40 and that is sold in several brands, Shell Rotella...Mobil Delvac...AMSoil...Chevron Delo, and others. Man, why go thicker? Thats like trying to suck a Dairy Queen Blizzard through a straw!!!!!!!