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Re: Oil Pressure Question

To: David Councill <dcouncil@imt.net>, mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Oil Pressure Question
From: Rocky Frisco <rock@rocky-frisco.com>
Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2004 10:54:31 -0600
David Councill wrote:

> Well, I have similar problems with a fresh rebuild on a 72 engine. I 
> went ahead and replaced the pressure relief valve including the cap, 
> spring, and a metal space that fits in the cap (I noticed that was 
> missing when I did this). I used the up-rated spring and had a hell of a 
> time getting it pressed in. Once done, all that did was increase my max 
> psi - the car still can see 10-15 psi on a low (650 rpm) idle. That is 
> hot. When cold, the car now idles with a starting idle psi of 60-70, and 
> 90 psi at speed. After maybe 10-15 minutes of driving, I'm down to 10-15 
> psi at idle but still running a solid 75 psi at 3000 rpm (but can drop 
> to as low as 50 at 2000 rpm). So that low rpm psi is still troubling.
> 
> But the 72B uses a mechanical gauge so perhaps I have a restricted oil 
> line or maybe the gauge isn't that accurate. Or my only other theory is 
> the oil pump. One thought is close tolerance between oil pump inlet and 
> bottom of oil pan? I had a problem fitting it on, not sure why, so I had 
> to pound out the bottom of the oil pan to get it to fit (something I 
> read on this list). And to make matters worse, I think I tightened the 
> oil pan bolts too tight but I left that alone since I have no leaks.
> 
> I know the book states 10-25 psi for a warm idle and technically I'm 
> within spec but in all my previous MGBs, it was very rare that the psi 
> would drop below 40 at idle. So my low pressure at idle bothers me and 
> I'm still looking for a resolution, if there is one. So I'm with Thomas 
> on this one, at least on the low idle. But I'd be even more concerned if 
> the psi was below 50 when driving with rpms 2500 or higher. Perhaps the 
> relief spring is the place to start but it is a real bitch to get the 
> nut pressed down in order to get it in the threads. I made a little tool 
> that was essentially a bolt and a union that I could use to push against 
> the body of the car and the nut that finally made the job a bit easier.

Sounds to me like knackered bearings, or a worn crank, probably both.

-Rock    http://www.rocky-frisco.com
--
JJ Cale Live CD and video: http://www.rocky-frisco.com/calelive.htm
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