My college buddy had a '65 B with the same symptoms. He thought he had
got a good deal on it until he'd been driving for 20 minutes (the dealer
had wisely demo'd it cold). It actually was still running (with less than
5 lbs pressure at warm idle) two years later when he traded it in, so I
wouldn't panic. The wrecker from whom I bought my used engine told me
that the main bearings are the weak point, and recommended replacing them
since the engine was out of the car. I went ahead and did that (for about
$100 I thought it was good insurance), although it turned out on
inspection that there was little or no wear.on this particular engine.
I think you can replace the main bearings with the engine still in the
car. If it's in drivable shape otherwise you could consider it a
throwaway expense and give it a try. If it doesn't work out you will just
have to shrug and plan for the complete rebuild. I can't think of another
reason for this symptom unless it has something to do with the oil
pressure relief valve, about which I am singularly uninformed.
Brad Pace had this to say:
>Hi all, Here is a query to mull over for a bit; what are some of the
>causes for the engine to have 65 psi oil pressure at start up, but
>after 10 miles of driving it is down to 20 psi at highway speed?
>
>Just went to look at an old MGA the other day and ended up buying it.
>It had been idle for 16 years in a fellows shop for all that time with
>a car cover on it.Except that the body is fairly beat up it is in
>decent shape,ie, all intact, nice glass and interior,all the mechanics
>un DPO'd and even has old bias ply tires with wide white walls.Well it
>did not take much to get it running and surprise of surprise, the
>hydraulics still worked , with a bit of pumping.After cleaning the
>carbs and tuning it up, I thought the engine was in remarkable
>condition, until I drove it down to the license bureau and saw that
>the O/P gradually dropped to the low end of the scale, all this in
>cool air and engine temp. of 180.Have not changed oil yet as the stuff
>in it was as clean as if it were just poured in. At least it has a new
>windshield and the gearbox is as quiet, in all gears, as a factory new
>one.
>Anybody got a clue?
>Thanks, Brad
>
>
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the red one with the silver bootlid.
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