Oil pressure conundrum

Post by **iddy** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:47 am

I mentioned a few weks ago that my oil pressure was 50psi at idle and 70psi when driving at 50mph.
After some replies and reading a few threads (it seems these figures are a bit high)I decided to change the oil pressure spring hoping it would decrease a little. Well, I changed it today and it's now 55psi at idle and 75psi at 50 mph.
Should I put the old spring back, or isn't it worth worrying about?

Cheers,

Iddy.

Post by **Willie** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:15 am

Some people would be delighted with those pressures but, in view of the poor design of the rear main bearing oil return system, I would not wish to exceed the normal 60 psi maximum when hot. It would seem that your oil pressure gauge is suspect but if you are satisfied with its accuracy you can adjust the relief valve spring to limit the maximum pressure available. You could either refit the old spring after compressing it in a vice to reduce its length ( be wary of it springing out of the vice) or you could add a copper or fibre washer under the large
domed nut.

Post by **dunketh** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:17 am

I get exactly the same readings!
I'd always thought they were a bit high but choose to ignore them, car seems fine like it. Mines a 1275 though but mechanically there cant be much difference I wouldn't have thought....

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 8:15 am

The old spring is fine - put it back. Gauges are not exactly 'calibrated' instuments!

Post by **rayofleamington** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 3:44 pm

you will probably get a bigger change by changing the gaauge than changing the spring ;-)