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Oil pressures?
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 7:44 pm
by paulk
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.
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 7:52 pm
by bmcecosse
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 !
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:06 pm
by paulk
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.
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:09 pm
by bmcecosse
Well - that's excellent! Provided of course the gauge sinks back to zero when the engine is off!
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:24 pm
by paulk
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 ;) )
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:35 pm
by bmcecosse
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!
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:46 pm
by ssnjimb
My oil pressure at idle is 30psi and 60-65 when at a steady 45mph onwards
Jamie
Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 9:19 pm
by MColes
My idle pressure is 30psi and at 40mph it is 40psi.
Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 10:49 pm
by Matt
thats what killed my last engine....
the pipe split in the engine bay!
Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2009 8:43 am
by paulk
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
