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Oil pressure problem?
Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:23 am
by mark_c
When I start from cold the gauge shoots up to 70-80 but, after a few seconds, drops to 0-20 where it stays no matter what the revs are, then drops back to below zero when I shut off the engine. Obviously I'm worries the bearings aren't being fed enough lube but maybe it's a dodgy gauge. Wishful thinking?!
TIA
Re: Oil pressure problem?
Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2014 3:18 pm
by Pavel
As mentioned in a recent post; get the engine oil HOT. Remove the rocker cover and, at idle revs, check that oil is reaching and flowing, however lightly, from the rocker arms. You could, of course, just remove the oil filler cap; but this may not give a true enough indication.
Pavel.
[PS. Most oil pressure stops when the engine is turned off --LOL]
Re: Oil pressure problem?
Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2014 4:49 pm
by mark_c
Brilliant, thanks - nice & simple, I'll do that.
Re: Oil pressure problem?
Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2014 9:58 pm
by AdrianNPMajor
Hi Mark
If you're unsure about the gauge, you could attach a diagnostic gauge to the block to double check. Pavel's test doesn't lie though.
Best
Adrian
Re: Oil pressure problem?
Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 8:56 pm
by majormajor
or it could be like mine its got 40lbs of oil pressure and no oil getting up to the rockers and cant work out why, any any body could help please do,
Re: Oil pressure problem?
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 7:26 am
by R W
Check the oil pressure gauge as suggested. If it checks out OK I'd take a look at the main bearings and the oil pump.
Re: Oil pressure problem?
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2014 4:26 pm
by Pavel
Assuming that your 40 PSI is with the oil at hot working temp. then I would believe that the o/pump, relief valve and the crankshaft bearings are OK -- most likely the camshaft ones as well. That would leave the oilway feeding through the cylinder head and the valve gear assy. as suspect.
It is not unknown for engines that have been standing for some while, and/or had previously been filled with older formulated oils, to develop blockages after a refill using modern detergent oils as this can cause carbon deposits to loosen and block oilways.
In the first instance I would suggest removing all of the valve gear and check out the oil pathways. Whilst it may also be possible to use a probe inserted into the oilway from the cylinder head to the block [???] to clear it of any obstruction, any rubbish dislodged will still remain in the system waiting to do the dirty again at a later date.
Pavel