8 replies to this topic

[carred]

Alright so I got my fairly new 1380cc engine running, and was wondering wether its oil pressure values are normal or not. It is an A+ engine with 13-row oil cooler. The oil pressure gauge is the original one from my 1976 998cc Mini.

When driving about 60mph it shows 75PSI, increase the speed and the oil pressure rises even more.

So I would like to know if a pressure like this can damage the engine or restrict it's performance.

Cheers

[racingbob]

i like mine around 75 at about 4000 plus

mine even ticks over at 40 but its a new engine

try a different spring or get an adjustable one

[The Principal]

as Bob says

Cold start about 75ish tick over

hot 40-50 tick over

Quality of oil and any water contamination will have an effect

[carred]

So the product minispares sell as "hps4" would be the solution to excessive oil pressure?

[tiger99]

Before doing anything to reduce the pressure, I would be inclined to check with another gauge. Too high is bad, as amongst other things, it causes power loss and overloads the pump drive and timing chain. But, as you will know, too low is even worse. Gauges have been known to be very wrong....

[AndyMiniMad.]

I would'nt worry too much...My 1380 runs at 70psi at 4000 revs and 40ish at tickover...(when warm)...60psi at tick over when cold!!..your preasure Is really not that high...

Edited by AndyMiniMad., 19 June 2012 - 06:18 PM.

[Cooperman]

That sounds good to me. My 1310 cc Cooper 'S' runs at 85 psi at 3000 rpm when cold then goes to 75 psi at 5000 rpm when hot. It has a 13-row oil cooler and I use Valvoline Racing 20w50 oil.

[carbon]

+1 for Cooperman's comments about running pressure.

Would add that the pressure to watch is when starting from cold if it goes much over 100psi there is a chance that the oil gallery plugs may come out. Not an issue if you have replaced with threaded plugs.

Don't know for sure but I think that replacing the normal bypass plunger with a steel ball can give higher oil pressure when cold.

[bmcecosse]

It's a wee bit on the high side - what does it read on a cold start? Does it have a ball bearing relief valve ? I would drop it back slightly - 70 psi when hot is fine.