Sprint oil pressure

[storeyn]

Hi All

I took my sprint out today for a little run… oil pressure when I left was about 35psi and 40-45 when cruising along.

There was no noticeable change in how the engine was running but on the way back I noticed the oil pressure was only 20psi at about 1500 rpm. I wasn’t far from home so went back. It was steady at 20psi and going upto about 30psi at 2000 rpm. I didn’t run it too long. Had a check over nothing obvious and oil level was still good.

I let it cool down to put back in the garage and it was the same.

I am suspecting an oil pump problem, but seems odd it suddenly dropped.

Be grateful if any one has any thoughts on what the issue might be…

[cliftyhanger]

A sudden drop in pressure across the range may be down to the PRV staying open, should be easy to check/clean.
Just a thought...

[storeyn]

Ok I’ll have a look at that first…

Is it easy enough to remove?

[cliftyhanger]

Ok I’ll have a look at that first…

Is it easy enough to remove?

Should be, it is on the oil pump

[dursley92]

Other long shot thoughts, could be the filter has failed/collapsed, or even that locating screw/plug on the no.1 rocker shaft cap loose or undone?

Last resort is the gauge OK?

[storeyn]

Thank you for the suggestions will have a look this weekend…

To remove the oil pump the workshop manual suggests jacking the engine up by approx 1.5” after taking the engine mount bolt…

Any suggestions on where best to locate Jack/block to do this or is it best to lift with a engine crane from above?…

[Carledo]

You don't need to remove the entire pump to get at the pressure relief valve, though it helps to take the filter off.

I'd be inclined to change the oil before indulging in a more serious witch hunt. Just age can make the oil go "off" when hot, irrespective of mileage covered. The Carledo used to do only around 1500 miles a year, back in the days when it was only taxed for 6 months in the summer. Yet every spring when I dug it out of hibernation, the oil pressure would drop alarmingly once warm. Changing the oil fixed it to the extent that, even though it's now a daily driver and does quite a lot more miles, I still change the oil religeously every spring!

Steve

[storeyn]

Thank you Steve

I will get some oil and change it to start with..

It looks relatively clean oil but has't been change in a while.