No initial Oil Pressure, but all seems OK

[richardcox_lotus]

Currently running in - 750 miles since rebuild - 250 miles since oil change. Using Castrol's 20/50 "Classic " oil for the 1st time. Levels on dipstick are fine. Problem I'm having is initial indications when ignition on of zero oil pressure. Take plugs out; spin on starter - pressure comes up nice & quick - but then sinks immediately to 0 on switch off. Plugs back in & recrank - zero oil pressure until after engine has fired. Usual expected pressure on cold (55-60); normal running (40) & idle (about 18).

Am I worrying unneccessarily ? I've never used this oil before - it's normally cheap & cheerful Halfords 20/50 !

Richard
'72 Sprint

[elan_fan]

What are expecting to see Richard If you got about 15psi at idle and it picks up when you rev then you are good to go. You won't maintain pressure for more than a couple of sec when you switch off.


P.s. in the spirit of the can of worms posts of late, whats with buying an expensive car like an Elan and putting cheap and nasty oil in it

regards
Mark

[richardcox_lotus]

Hi Mark - I guess I expect to see some oil pressure during the cranking phase prior to the engine firing. Perhaps I should go back to crappier oil !

[512BB]

Hi Richard,

What you have is entirely normal and as you would expect. And as far as i am concerned, there is nothing wrong with the Castrol Classic oil you are using either!

All the best

Leslie

[richardcox_lotus]

Thanks Leslie - put my mind at rest - I couldn't really remember what the behaviour used to be. The only think I don't like about this oil is the price