In my Jabiru situation, the temp went south first, then the pressure shortly after. I did not notice a rise at any stage, but then wasn't looking for a rise. With the 146 situation, I recall the pressure was constant as the temp dropped, then the gauge just gave a flick or two and I decided that was enough. With that one I had the advantage of prior experience in a similar 146 which happened to have quantity gauges. What happened with this one was a chip detector had not been properly secured and fell out. As the oil quantity gauge decreased, so did the temperature - long before any noticeable change in presssure. We had our two indications, so shut it down before any damage occurred.
Obviously I defer to your FE background, but those have been my experiences with oil loss. Another which was not oil loss was a RR Dart which had just been changed (F27) and they forgot to remove a blank from the oil cooler. That one was a no-brainer - the temp went ballistic shortly after takeoff and I did not even need to cross refer to pressure for the second confirmation - after all the engine was straight out of the shop.
We shut down and came home. Again, no harm done to the engine; just some embarrassment in the hangar.
What a pity they don't pay us bonuses when we save them money!
Last edited by Mach E Avelli; 3rd March 2009 at 09:27.
Reason: additional info