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MGA MGA Oil Pressure

oldngray

Freshman Member
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Dumb question, BUT ... my 1960 MGA oil pressure has dropped since I changed oil. What's up with that? When you first crank it up, pressure is about 70 PSI ... as you drive and it warms up, it slowly drops to about 40 PSI, and stays there. No rattles, no smoke. I think it showed higher PSI before the oil change....I dumped in 10W40 detergent, Valvoline. Thanks, MG
 
Put 20/50 back in it! That's what the engine calls for anyway, (Factory Recommendation). Use Valvoline VR-1 for needed zink to protect your cam. 10W40 shouldn't be used where you live, only up North where the temperature drops well below freezing for extended periods of time! My MGs only have 20/50 in them and we get pretty low temps during the Winter. PJ
 
Agreed. 20w50. Originally it was recommended to run a straight 30w.
 
Definitely go with straight 30 or the recommended multi vis. I sell rebuild kits for the oil pump which may be advised.
 
I would put either 30 weight or the Valvoline VR-1 20/50. The Valvoline VR-1 has, I believe, just about the highest zinc and phosphorous content that you can get in a street engine oil. That said, I don't think there is any real problem with your oil pressure numbers. With a hot engine, mine are about 40 at idle and 65 at speed.
 
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