I've read through the archives & spoken with my mechanic and think I have a handle on what the symptoms indicate, but please correct me if there are other possibilities.

I have an 81 242. After driving for about 10 to 20 minutes, my oil light starts to flicker at higher and lower RPMs, but stays off at mid-range RPMs especially when my speed is constant. I have no noticable oil leaks and the oil is 3 weeks old 10w30 with a Mann filter.

My understanding is that there are three probable causes for the flickering light:

1)- electrical - a short in the wiring or problem with the switch/sending unit.
2)- oil pump
3)- bearings

I seriously doubt it is the first problem because the switch is only about a year old, but I left the car with my mechanic to check it and replace the wiring to the light just in case.

If that does not solve the problem, considering that I cannot do the work myself, I am curious as to whether there is a high probability of one or the other or additional symptoms that would help identify that it is the oil pump and not the bearings.

Also - will running a thicker oil (possibly 20w50?) actually prolong things, or just cover up the symptom while the problem continues?

I welcome any general guidance. I've had the car for 12 years - it's the only car I've ever owned - and I'm willing to spend money to keep it running, but I don't have enough money to throw away at a car that is probably on its last leg. Thanks in advance.