What oil pressure

[GuyT]

I was looking through the build manual which came with my car - '92 HPC 2.0 VX on webbers, and on the spec sheet for the motor it says oil pressure at operating temp and conditions should be between 3 and 4 bar. The car has always been run on Mobil 1 motorsport and at operating temp and conditions it always shows just a tad under 2.5 bar. The motor only has 11,000 miles on it and runs as sweet as a nut.

Would this be about right on this oil or is the pressure low?

Advice appreciated.

 

RGDS GuyT

[Normans_Ghost]

Guy, it's probably the sender unit which can be out by a long way.

 

However, although it's a bit late, why not get your local independant garage to put a "master" gauge on the get a better reading.

 

I'm assuming your taking the reading at the prescribed revs.

 

Norman Verona, 1989 BDR 220bhp, Reg: B16BDR, Mem No 2166, the full story here

You and your seven to The French Blatting Company Limited

[GuyT]

Hi Norman,

 

Thats part of my quandery. All it says in the manual is "between 3 and 4 bar at normal operating temperature" i.e. all a bit vague and wooly. Surely the oil pressure will also change depending on the viscosity of the oil - mobil 1 motorsport being a bit on the thin side. Any thoughts on that?

 

RGDS Guy.

[chrisrudd]

Guy,

 

As Norman says, its probably the sender unit giving problems. In my experience they're pants and I ended up replacing the whole thing with a mechanical set-up - miles better. In psi terms my XE (1000 miles since overhaul) produces about 75 at normal running temp at about 4000 rpm, at which point the oil pressure relief valve cuts in. This is using a low viscosity (0W/30) synthetic. As you say pressure varies with viscosity and this is most noticeable at low revs. I reckon if you can maintain 20 to 30 psi at tickover then all should be fine.

 

Chris.

 

 

[Dickie Normuss]

My '93 Vx HPC shows about 3.5 - 4 when on the move and about 2.5 at idle

 

Seek forgiveness, not permission.

Rules are for the interpretation of wise men and the obedience of fools.