<VV> oil pressure question

[Mark Durham]

Yes, pressure is a bit low, but not critical. Clearances open up at
normal temp. Checking the oil pump wear and end clearances are your
best bet. Keep the end plate to the tight side. 35 Psi when cold tells
me the spring is ok but the pump is a bit weak, cannot keep up with
wider clearances when warmed up. If tightening up the clearances does
not work, replace the pump or use a 15-50 oil and see what happens
first as a test. Mark Durham

Sent from my Windows Phone From: Michael Kovacs
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2011 5:29 PM
To: VV
Subject: <VV> oil pressure question
 1966 140 pg very well rebuilt engine by me. Balanced, bored, Steadman heads,
mild cam etc.  Clark .010-.010 crank run out almost .000 and plasti guaged
carefully. 10,000 miles, runs very smoothly with strong acceleration. 20-23 MPG.

  Starts cold at 850 RPM at 35 PSI oil pressure. After a 20 mile drive with
engine now at operating temp, Tach at about 2900 RPM = 60-65 mph, the oil
pressure now has dropped to about 20 PSI.


 It will stay there unless the engine is idled back to 750 RPM = 13-15 PSI and
is still running smooth and no lifter clatter.

 Using fresh NAPA 10-40 oil. Clark filter. I forget if I did the oil pump, but
probably looked it over and reinstalled.


 I assume the pressure relief valve is the reason for the 35 PSI cold. The oil
press  gage is electrical and I assume it is accurate due to the steady 35 PSI
when cold even at cruising speeds. As oil heats, up just a steady decline in
pressure.

 Suggestions? Should I check oil pump for clearence? Change filters? Check with
mechanical gage too?

By the way I use the same NAPA oil in all four operating Corvairs and they hold
about 35 PSi when hot.




 MIKE KOVACS
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