low oil pressure

[rgemmell]

Putting the old bird (Stag not wife) on road after the annual 6 month Sorn and the oil pressure is reading 15-20 on tickover and 40 at 3000 rpm. I've had the compression checked and it is fine. Also no stange rattling from bottom end. I suspect it may be the gauge or the sender (where is this located?). Any other suggestions?
Also, if it is the bottom end can this be done with the engine in the car?

Before Sorn, pressures were much higher.

Sorry about all the questions

Robbie

[Kevin Garrod]

imported post

The sender is at the rear of the engine on the drivers side near the auto dipstick (not much help if you're manual)

Maybe an oil change would be prudent? then see what the pressure's like:?

[rgemmell]

imported post

Hi Kevin thanks for response.

Are senders prone to problems?

Robbie

[V8 Rumbler]

imported post

Hi If those are the pressures of thehot engine I wouldn't worry at all. It does seem a little odd that they were higher before though:?How much higher

[rgemmell]

imported post

V8 Rumbler wrote:

Hi If those are the pressures of thehot engine I wouldn't worry at all. It does seem a little odd that they were higher before though:?How much higher

Hi.
before, tickover was 20-25 and about 50 at 3000 rpm. The oil and filter have been changed.
Am I being concerned unduly?

Robbie

[Kevin Garrod]

imported post

rgemmell wrote:

Hi Kevin thanks for response.

Are senders prone to problems?

Robbie

Not that I know of

[Ferds]

imported post

Hi,

You don't say if the oil pressure gauge isan electronic one or a capiliary oil fed version? Electronic ones can fail - I had one go on a Lotus, which manifested itself as low readings, and then eventually a 'flicking' needle.:shock:

Capiliary fed versions can leak - but you should see the result of that.:P

You may have a sticky pressure releif valve in the pump.:?

Either way, I would change the oil and filter and then take it for a long drive and get the oil nice and hot.

Cheers

Chris

[Stagdad]

imported post

I'm with V8 rumbler .Those hot pressures are the same as mine and my engine seems fine,no noises or smoke.

[stustag]

imported post

My engine runs at 25 psi at tickover (hot) and at 3000rpm 50psi. This is the normal pressures you should see from an engine in good order.

Stuart

[Bob Heritage]

imported post

Your type/brand of oil can affect the pressure

[DJT]

imported post

rgemmell wrote:

The oil and filter have been changed.

What oil have you used? What filter? Do you have the original paper filter cartridge, or a conversion to a modern spin-on filter?

All these will help us diagnose the problem if you have just changed the oil/filter and the pressures are lower.

Dave

[rgemmell]

imported post

Bob Heritage wrote:

Your type/brand of oil can affect the pressure

Bob, thankyou. You got it spot on. Changed the oil to Unipart 20/50 and pressure back to normal.
Lesson - don't buy cr*p oil (ZX Premium) from your local autoshop!!!
Thanks to all for your advice

Robbie

[mad cyclist]

imported post

rgemmell wrote:

Bob Heritage wrote:

Your type/brand of oil can affect the pressure

Bob, thankyou. You got it spot on. Changed the oil to Unipart 20/50 and pressure back to normal.
Lesson - don't buy cr*p oil (ZX Premium) from your local autoshop!!!
Thanks to all for your advice

Robbie

I Do like a happy ending