Hello, Spridgeteers, and Happy New Year -
I have been off the list for a little over a year due to other commitments,
but now I need some engine advice!
Yesterday I was driving my '73 Midget (1275 cc) from eastern N.C. to
Annapolis, MD. As I approached Richmond, VA (approx 220 miles out) cruising
about 3500 RPM on I-295, I thought I saw the oil pressure suddenly drop from
its normal 40 psi. About the same time there was a tremendous cloud of blue
smoke from the tailpipe -- not continuous, just for a bit. I shut off the
engine and let the car coast on the shoulder for a while. Just before it
came to a stop, I started the engine again, and the pressure came up to
about 60 psi. It usually runs about 40 on the road when hot.
Everything seemed O.K., so I kept going. A little while later, there was
another big cloud of blue smoke. I stopped to investigate, and found oil
blowing out all over the engine bay, and dripping off the bottom of the
car -- also out the tranny bellhousing drain. To shorten the story, I
limped on into Richmond and spent the night. Running with the oil filler
cap loose didn't help, and the valve cover vent hole is clear.
Before leaving home, I had changed the oil and filter. This morning, I
pulled the filter head to check the relief valve (O.K.) and I changed the
oil filter again, just for luck. All of the oil passages I could see from
outside the engine looked clear and nothing looked amiss under the valve
cover. I started the engine (initial oil pressure 70 psi, which is about
normal for cold) and brought it up to temperature at idle and everything
still seemed O.K. The oil pressure dropped to 40 at idle when warm.
However, out on the road and up to speed, the pressure still runs at 60 psi,
it still blows out periodic clouds of blue smoke, and sprays oil out the
valve cover.
Whassapenin? Do I have an oil pump that puts out MORE pressure when it
fails?
Thanks for any and all input!
Steve Byers
Havelock, NC USA
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