I have a 1.8 silvertop in my Lotus Europa. The oil pressure drops off when hot.
Smiths electric gauge, swapped sender still same. Pressure switch is a 20psi job and light is flickering.
The engine was a Ford short motor, crank has been ground 0.25mm u/s. Had it stripped and measured, all good. Oil pump and bearings look fine.
what is a normal hot pressure for these? Am I chasing shadows?
cheers

 

Hot pressures generally vary between 1.3-2.5bar at idle (18.8-36.2psi)

So if its just under 20PSI thats fine, but just relying on the low pressure switch/light is guesswork really. Whack a gauge on and get a proper idea of the pressure. Could be 5psi for all you know..

 

Thanks for the reply, that's lower than I expected on a "modern" engine. I could well be chasing shadows.
I've rigged up a mechanical gauge so I can cross check the electric gauge when it's all back together. If that's good I'll look into an adjustable pressure switch for the light.
the pressure rises nicely with revs.

 

The "newest" silvertop is 98 i think? Thats still 22years old - they aren't modern anymore

 

Haha, quite agree, modern compared to the tech I grew up with.
Essex, Cologne, Kent, Pinto, etc.

 

Yer don't worry, I'm of the same mindset until i actually stop and think how old some of the stuff i still mess with is