<VV> Low oil pressure

[Mark Durham]

Bryan, do try installing a heavy duty relief spring to see if the old
one is weak, or like suggested, stretch it or add two washers in the
cap. if that makes a difference, you are good to go. If not, clearances
are such that you need the heavier viscosity oil.
In my aviation experience, I used to see high performance hotter
running piston engines up to 375 hp with oil pressure in the 10 to 15
psi area when hot at idle, so I am not concerned with that, but would
like to see the above idle pressure at least 30. If you cannot get
that, I would not rule out worn out rod bearings, something you can
change for not much money by taking off the top cover. Main bearings
are usually good for double the life of rods, so I do not expect that
to be a problem.
keep us posted on your findings!
Sent from my Windows Phone
From: Bryan Blackwell
Sent: 8/5/2013 8:33
To: Virtual Vairs
Subject: <VV> Low oil pressure
Hi folks,

I figure I'll give Matt something to think about :-)

I have a 110 of unknown history in the '66 that I switched from 15x-50
to 10w-30.  When it's hot I now get an oil light at idle.  I thought
about changing it back, but it seemed to make sense to actually check
the pressure and see what it is.  So I made an adapter out of an old
oil filter bolt and put a small mechanical press gauge on it.

At start up I have 25 psi at idle, but it only gets to 30 even at 3500
rpm.  When warm it's hovering around 8 - 10 at idle, but bringing the
engine up to 3500 I only get about 20 psi.  I'm thinking the easy
thing to try first is just swap out the pressure relief spring.  Any
other quick fixes?  I'd prefer to run 10w-30, but if it comes to it
I'll put the heavier oil in it, I'm not going to go deep into this
engine any time soon and it runs really well otherwise.

--Bryan

Bryan Blackwell | Springfield, Va. | bryan at skiblack.com |
http://autoxer.skiblack.com/
  Corvairs: '62 700 Wagon, '64 Greenbrier, '65 Corsa, '66 Corsa
  '69 Road Runner, '99 Neon R/T, '00 Miata SE, '09 Ford F-150
"Why do something if you're not going to obsess about it?"



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