Oil temps on a standard 1098

[les]

I've got no gauges fitted to my Minor, most relaxing!

[bmcecosse]

Ignorance is bliss.......

[les]

You only need good maintenance on a Minor. That's the beauty!

[M25VAN]

Interesting read, I've wondered about oil temperature and thought about fitting a gauge. Sorry but I love dials, don't get me on warning lights.
I'd noticed that the engine comes up to temp ok with 60psi at speed and 40psi at idle. After a further period of running the pressure drops to just over 40psi at speed and 20psi at idle. Now I know that oil temp takes longer to come up than water temp.

[bmcecosse]

Hmmm -40 psi at speed is decidedly marginal........

[M25VAN]

Yes, I know it's not the best.
Checked today and it was about 45psi but has always read that and engine has done some considerable mileage. On the plus side using duckhams or castrol or B&Q special has made no difference to this.

[bmcecosse]

It will go on for a long time like that - just din't thrash it!

[MikeNash]

Thanks for all your advice, folks! I'm sorry to be so long in returning, but the Village Show got in the way.

With your comments I'm content now with the max readings I'm getting, i.e. about 90-100C when driven hard in hot weather and with the oil a bit low, and (although you mock!) I'll have a go at shielding the sump, etc to see if I can get the temperature up in cooler weather. As has been said before, the Minor is over radiatored, and I suspect the same applies the lubrication system. The reason for this is, I think, that like so many British (and French) transport products in the 40s and 50s they were designed for "empire use" including the tropics. I note also that the BMC Workshop Manual recommends for tropical and temperate climate and down to 32F the use of SAE 30 grade oil.
Just thought you'd like to know that, Mike Nash.