MGB Normal oil pressure at all tempratures for 1969 MG-B

[Bobbee44]

I have a 1969 MG-B and my oil pressure at cold idle is around 30 psi and runs up to around 43-45 psi at 2500 rpm cold or hot. Is this pressure normal, or low. I am used to my Healey 3000 that runs over 60 psi cold at idle and 50 plus hot at 2500 rpm.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Mickey Richaud]

That does sound low; should be closer to your Healey's numbers.

 

[bob67bgt]

69 has a electric oil pressure gauge. Put a real gauge on it and check the pressure. The electric units are normally slow to respond to changes.

 

[max71]

I've been dealing with the same issue. According to the factory specs: Oil pressure: Approx. 60psi. Idle at 20psi. I think we're all used to 75 at speed. Someone recently said that was too high and will create leaks. I don't know.

I too have a electric sender/gauge. I've been wanting to convert to a mechanical. When I bought a cheap mechanical it actually showed my electric gauges 5-8 lbs too high. So you might want to see if the reading you are judging it on is correct. Nisonger said they have real Smith's electric senders. They claim the others are not accurate. I really do not have enough information to know if the electrical are even accurate but the certainly react slower.

 

[Rut]

69 has a electric oil pressure gauge. Put a real gauge on it and check the pressure. The electric units are normally slow to respond to changes.

True that! The sending unit is usually the culprit and the diaphragm ends up with a hole in it. I bought a new sending unit, but opted to change to a mechanical gauge for accuracy and simplicity.
Rut

 

[max71]

What Rut said. There's a reason the factory went back to the mechanical gauge

I'm trying to find a mechanical one now that's calibrated. One place wants $200! :ziplip: I'm still checking :highly_amused:

In a way I feel like getting one of those dual gauges and putting it where the water temp is. But then I don't know what to put into the rectangular hole.

 

[Rut]

Try Matthews Import parts in Birmingham, AL...I bought a couple from them for $25 ea. great people to deal with and they will gave what you need.
Rut

 

[max71]

Thanks Rut!

 

[max71]

Rut - they might have one. Do you know a way to calibrate these? I spoke to a speedo shop that did all my gauges years ago and they said it possible but they no longer work on them. I could hook it up to a proper gauge with a meter showing correct pressure and the check the gauge to see what it reads. If its off I'm not sure where the calibration screws etc are. Might be a nice educational post for others looking to check or do the conversion.

 

[Rut]

I just put a tee inline on the block and connected 2 gauges to it. The were both in agreement for the full range of 0-70 psi and although this is not a calibration it did what I needed it to.
Good luck, Rut

 

[max71]

Rut,

There's controversy on the threads of the part that goes into the block. Is that where you put the T-line? If on the block connector some people have said its british standard thread. I had to put a new braided line in because although the other was only 7 years old the threads stripped out even with moderate pressure.

I studied about some ways to calibrate. Your way is a good way if you have a second accurate gauge.

Thanks.

 

[Rut]

I bought my gauge kit, SunPro I think, at a local auto parts store and they had the Tee as well. I asked them what I needed and took the fitting that goes in the block with me.
Rut

 

[max71]

Good idea!