I've just fitted a new engine in my Escort Cosworth and am very concerned about the oil pressure. The engine was built 4 years ago and hasn't been run since. I removed the distributor and spun the oil pump with an electric drill, the pressure at the remote filter head was 35 psi. On starting the engine the oil pressure is around 15 psi and rises slighlty when the throttle is blipped a little. On a cold engine with 10w50 the pressure should be massive !
So my thoughts are either a serious engine problem, or something wrong with the pump like a sticking pressure relief valve.
I've removed the sump ( luckily the engine is chassis mounted, but still had to take the crossmember, shafts, and diff off ! ), and checked the clearance for the pickup strainer and its 10mm so I guess its ok.
Any more suggestions would be greatly received.
Thanks in advance.

 

Try the small oil pump gasket , this was a problem on one of a mates engines, its worth a go

 

A mate had this on a yb and it was the pick up strainer full of shite.

 

Thanks for the tips.
I've checked the strainer and it's clean.
As for the small gasket, do you mean the one between the strainer pipe and the pump body ?
Thanks

 

IT could b m8 , it was only what he told me, it was only a few pennys 2 buy the gasket . But i no it was to do with the oil pump ,change it u never no. hope my info helps

 

if it was a new block was the small core plug put in behind the front cover

 

Is this the plug behind the auxillary drive ?
I'm guessing that you have to remove the drive and cover plate to see it, or is there an easier way to check it's there ?
Thanks

 

Problem solved !
Well found anyway at the moment....
Checked over the pump and all ok, relief valve and gasket all fine.
Plugged the oil feed port into the block from the pump, then poured a degreaser into the oil outlet from the block to the cooler. It started poring from the very front of the block into the sump. Removed the auxillary pulley and cover, and as suggested by cossiedave ( Many thanks ), the small core plug was missing !
So a cheap fix, but alot of car to put back together. And it's getting mapped on Wednesday so lots to do.
Thanks for all advice.