Oil pressures?

Post by **paulk** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 7:44 pm

I know its around here somewhere but what is the consensus on Oil pressure at idle and when running?

I know its higher when you start with cold oil and I'm fully aware that my oil gauge was probably last certified in the early 1960's so I'm not expecting miracles but I'm just curious.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 7:52 pm

The relief valve should be set for 60/70 psi - so ideally - that's what the hot running pressure should be - at say anything over 50 mph in top gear. At idle - it could drop to 20/25 - depends on the idle speed really. If very low idle - it could be as low as 20/15 psi - maybe make the light flicker !

Post by **paulk** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:06 pm

Hmmm.

I'm seeing 60psi at 45mph plus (speedo is a bit vague)

but at idle its more like 40 psi
I don't know the figures but it is idling fairly slowly too.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:09 pm

Well - that's excellent! Provided of course the gauge sinks back to zero when the engine is off!

Post by **paulk** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:24 pm

Oh yes, first thing I checked

Also tightened up the pipe into the back of the gauge (after I found oil slowly dripping out from behind the dash ;) )

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:35 pm

I can tell you -it makes quite a mess if that pipe ever comes off while you are running - and you can't pull over right away!

Post by **ssnjimb** » Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:46 pm

My oil pressure at idle is 30psi and 60-65 when at a steady 45mph onwards

Jamie

Post by **MColes** » Sat Oct 17, 2009 9:19 pm

My idle pressure is 30psi and at 40mph it is 40psi.

Post by **Matt** » Sat Oct 17, 2009 10:49 pm

thats what killed my last engine....

the pipe split in the engine bay!

Post by **paulk** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 8:43 am

Funnily enough that was what happened when the oil pressure plummeted on my sisters Mini. It wasen't catastrophic failure of the pump

it was a split in a £2.50 pipe