Low pressure pump?

[Robbie693]

Hi,

Ever since I got my Plus 2 the oil presure gauge (mechanical type) has only read about 30-32 psi max. I get about 20 when idling hot. Before I bought the car I spoke to Roy at Paul Matty about it and he said something about there were some pumps a few years ago which had a lower pressure relief valve setting.

The car was fitted with an oil cooler when I bought it, which I removed in the vain hope it would give me more pressure but sadly not.

Has anyone heard about these supposed lower pressure pumps and should I worry about these readings and replace the pump for a new one?

Robbie

[rocket]

I have a similar reading on my gauge so i had it checked and it reads 8 psi low..maybe yours is similar.I also had a conversation with Roy at Mattys as well as my regular mechanic who were both of the opinion that my engine sounds good and as the pressure is consistent they wouldnt worry...

Ian.

[msd1107]

Once past a rather low minimum pressure, the main concern is to obtain sufficient oil flow.

High pressure is a ham-handed way to ensure this. Attention to unblocked oil passage ways, proper bearing clearances, etc will assure sufficient oil flow no matter what the pressure is.

Remember, the oil pump losses are proportional to the oil pressure, so that not running 50 psi or 70 pis is beneficial.

In this regard, modern engines exhibit a trend to using high film strength low viscosity oil together with lower oil pressures to minimize losses. This is most apparant on small throttle openings, where the observed fuel economy can be improved by running lower viscosity oils at lower pressures. Of course, you have to ensure that the oil film strength and oil flow is sufficient at maximum loads.

David
1968 36/7988

[Robbie693]

Thanks for the replys,

I think I should get my gauge checked,

cheers

Robbie