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Rover K series oil pressure


PJT

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I have a 21 year old 1.6 rover K series Caterham.  The oil pressure varies! On start up it is 2 bar but this rapidly drops to 1 bar (or just under) and when stationary it drops into the red!

There are no obvious oil leaks.

Is this normal behavior for a K series or should I be looking for a new oil pump/gauge?  

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Yellow Peril

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It's really easy to damage the electrical sender - it's  very low and exposed- I damaged 2 by going over the anti-exit plates on the way into the company carpark before I realised what was causing the issue.

caterham used to sell a remote mount kit - to place it on the cross member - don't know if they still do.
 

Simon 

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I was exactly the same, on my old 1.6 K, use to sit at junctions reving to keep the oil pressure up, it use to drop to zero on tickover.

 

Bit the bullet and bough and fitted a mechanical gauge, and hay presto no more low oil pressure issues.

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I bow to the knowledge of my peers in matters  related to gauges, but have you thought about the baffle in the sump (assuming it still has one)?

On my similar 1.8k I had oil pressure issues, albeit a bit more extreme than you are describing, and it turned out to be bits of a disintegrating plastic oil baffle starting to block the oil pick up.

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Hi Guys,  Thanks for all your comments. I thought I better have a closer look at the issue so got down on my hands and knees - at nearly 79 I no longer enjoy laying on my back on a hard, cold concrete floor - and found that it looks as if the switch has been "grounded" at some time. Bit surprised that it still works at all!  Probably not surprising with some of the narrow, windy lanes in the Midlands (and the Peak District National Park in particular) so I have ordered a new switch but if that doesn't work I'll go for the mechanical route.

Many thanks for all your help.

Yellow Peril

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Now let's not start the sump baffle argument - pros and cons - just end of sports if it does degrade and isn't noticed quickly

Re pressures (on a mechanical gauge - and I agree with what's already been said - much improved accuracy)

On start up - 65 PSI - 70 when blipped

Tick over once fully warm - 20-23 PSI

General running 40- 60 PSI depending on revs and load

1400 K Supersport (with sump baffle) with 39k on the clock

 

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