2.2 Petrol frontera oil pressure problems - any ideas?

[spy]

Hi all,

A friend has an R reg 2.2 ecotec frontera with an oil pressure problem.  At startup the pressure appears fine but after not very long it drops into the red at tickover. 

Hes been told it will be a £400 oil pump which involves engine out?  Anyone any experience of this?  Hes left it parked up, its still starts and runs and sounds healthy so I assume no damage is done yet!

Any tips?

Mike

[dxmedia]

If it's the 2.2 diesel look at the oil pressure switch being the issue. If it's the 2.2 petrol, look at the bottom end falling to pieces and it being a [!Expletive Deleted!] engine.

[dxmedia]

Just noticed that your talking about the petrol.

It's the bottom end, it's a know problem. I'd personally pull the engine, drop the sump and start looking.

Or, drop a 2.8 engine and gearbox in from a trooper. The back of the transfer case or prop shaft will need swapping due to the slip yoke.

[spy]

Thanks for the quick reply!  Whats the problem with the 2.2 petrol then?  I think if its time for an engine transplant he will just get rid and buy something else :( 

[dxmedia]

It's a 2.2L petrol engine in a 2 tonne 4x4.  It's over worked and knocks out bottom ends :(  The engines are 10 a penny in the scrap yards though...