fastwhenitworks

Hi folks, new to the game, but need some advice, hoping you can help! Have just finished building a Cosworth YB powered Westfield. Standard engine, reground crank, new bearings, new oil pump, new hex drive to dizzy. The problem is the oil pressure. At start up its 75psi, drops to 17psi at 80deg c at idle. On the move it will pick up but after about 20miles it drops to around 8psi. There are no untoward noises top or bottom (yet) although cooling is an issue still to be ironed out. Initial thoughts were that it might be the running in oil. Have now switched to Mobil One 15w50 but it aint any better. The engine is effectively new/rebuilt and its only done 70miles. There was no debris in the oil that came out. Now starting to get confused as all I want to do is get on and drive it (rapidly) Thanks.

Barry R

iTrader: (3)

What oil pump mate

m4tt274

iTrader: (2)

possible the oil pressure guage is tellin fibs

Alvyn

iTrader: (1)

if it's 75 on start up I'd say high pressure one but for it to drop to 8 psi that's a serious amount!
1st check the gauge is working correctly,if it is then could be lots of things like wrong size bearings could be one of the main ones ( did you fit a gasket on the oil pump to p/up?

let us know!

tabetha

If it's dropping to 8psi when hot, I wouldn't drive it anymore.
I would try to get hold of a mechanical oil gauge, and then take readings from the oil pressure switch area, as this is a lot of pressure to lose.
tabetha

fastwhenitworks

Thanks for your help so far. Just put an oil pressure tester in place of the gauge. Start up this time 72psi, fan cut in at 88deg c when it was 16psi and at 90ish it went down to 13psi, so slightly better. (the dial on my dash gauge is non linear so that might explain variation) Even so it falls short of Cosworths guide of 24psi at warm idle. Any experts got a definitive list to work thru? Will first check gasket (thx Alvyn) then blow thru strainer and pipes. Pump brand new and standard by the way.

coswurv

iTrader: (8)

If you say cooling is a problem, what type of oil cooler are you using as this will have a part to play especially if you not running one ?

Alvyn

iTrader: (1)

there's something very strange then as you wouldn't see anything near those figures with a standard pump(dependant on oil max 50ish psi on throttle and minium you want is 25ish m8!

fastwhenitworks

Does look a bit weird the range of figures. Sump now off, what looks to be gasket sealant clogging part of the strainer so i will clean that out, check theres a pickup pipe gasket and go from there. In response to cooling issues; Engine standard so no air to oil cooler just the boggo heat exchanger. The rad is the biggest i can fit under a Westie bonnet (which aint huge) and the intercooler is off an Integrale! No room to swing a cat in there! Challenging it most certainly has been!