What is an estimate time on how long i can go with out fixing the oil pump in my car?

ok its a 99 olds minivan... the oil light came on about 4 days ago. the level is fine and no leak, so it must be the pump. i obviously kno that this is something that shouldnt be put off but im broke at the moment and not getting paid til next fri. in the mean time i would like to know how long do i have until something gets severly damagedWhat is an estimate time on how long i can go with out fixing the oil pump in my car?
Replace the pressure switch that turns on the idiot light first.





They're about $5.





DonWhat is an estimate time on how long i can go with out fixing the oil pump in my car?
Your cylinders won't seize unless there's no oil in the oil pan, the oil pump doesn't lubricate the cylinders, the throws on the crankshaft effectively, throw oil onto the cylinder walls and that's where they acquire their lubrication.





What the oil pump does do is protect anything riding on a bearing surface, as well as your rockers and valves, such as the crankshaft, camshaft, and lifters (keeps the lifters pumped up as-well).





If your oil pressure light has come on, and you have been driving it, or didn't shut it off immediately, the damage has already been done. If there is indeed no oil pressure, that 3.4L will be a boat anchor.





The best possible thing you can do at this point, is have it towed to a mechanic and have them put a mechanical oil pressure gauge on it to check if it truly does have no oil pressure, as maybe it is just the sending unit malfunctioning.





Best of luck.
DO NOT RUN IT AT ALL. NOT EVEN TO THE MECHANIC!!!!!! You will blow the motor in 2 seconds literally with the oil pump out! I would seriously have someone tow it to the mechanic or actully i think a chevy dealer will come get it to fix it and bring it back to you.
if the oil pump is not working the engine will not get lubricated and it will burn up every moving part and it won,t take long, but there are other reasons the light came on and it may only be minor problems some one should check it out
i agree with don, replace the switch, or get a manual oil pressure gauge and see what the psi really is...





usually if the pressure is low enough do damage anything you will hear weird noises from the engine
yep about 2 seconds. bc the cylinders will seize since they aren't lubricated. very expensive fix if it seizes.
change the oil sending switch as it could be bad giving you a false reading.
about 2 seconds.. Honestly