What should the oil pressure be at a certain RPM?

[ian62]

Hi

I have an electric oil pressure gauge fitted by the last owner, just wanted to know what the oil pressure should at:

Cold (mine shows 40psi)
Hot idle (20)
Running at 2,000 (25)
Running at 3,000 (40)

Engine runs fine no knocks or smoke so just wondered what everyone else has?

Ian

[GDPR]

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Mine is 55 cold - all speeds
50 psi @3000 hot
25 @ idle hot

Graham's car which I have just fitted a replacement crankshaft and bearings into, with a County oil pump but OE pressure relief valve spring:

50-55 cold - all speeds
55 psi @ 3000 hot
35 @ idle hot

Yours is a little lower than I would prefer, but still OK - probably would improve with an oil pump and some VR-1 if you don't already use it

Russ

[GTJones]

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Hi Ian

About the same as mine although it runs at around 30psi when idle (600RPM)

Gary

[flying farmer]

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It is better than the spare engine currently fitted to my stag (worn crank, new bearings)

cold 55psi

Hot 3000rpm 35psi

hot idle 10-15psi

The engines in the Stag powered TR and the estate are both 55psi cold, 30-35psi hot idle and 45psi anything over 2000rpm

Neil

[Stevekid1]

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Mine is around 20-25 hot idle and 50 at 3000rpm when hot.

Steve

[ian62]

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Excuse my ignorance what is vr1?

Ian

[Stevekid1]

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20-50 racing oil as recommended by the all knowing Kryton

[grahamb]

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ian62 wrote:

Excuse my ignorance what is vr1?

Ian

Engine oil. Valvoline

[ian62]

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Thanks, it's due a change so I will get some and see if that improves things.

Is the electric oil pressure gauge ok, or should I change it for a different type?

Ian

[GDPR]

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Electric gauges aren't known for their accuracy - a Bourdon type gauge tends to tell the truth...... plenty of threads on here recommending gauges that suit....

[simonas]

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is mine too high then as it runs at 60 when hot? not checked when coldor idle

what does too much oil pressure indicate?

[GDPR]

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Probably not, as the gauge may be a bit optimistic. 55 is the ideal, as once it gets significantly above that the timing chain tensioners pump up too much, shortening chain life and overloading the front jackshaft bearing.

If the pressure is too high, most likely it's just the relief valve sticking or the wrong spring. County oil pumps come with the wrong spring, which should be swapped for your original.

[Princejohny]

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Hey Kryton

I have a 'spare' engine in a rotten Stag that I'm using as a parts car. It's not possible to start it up due to no exhaust and the car in two halves etc but will turn over nicely on a full battery. It has a Bourden gauge fitted and reads 30psi after a few spins. Would this be a good sign?

Cheers Johny

[GDPR]

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I would take that as a very healthy sign to get 30psi on cranking......