T-Series Oil pressure advice

[JSabah]

I hoping for some help here as I am a bit stumped myself on the topic of reduced oil pressure. I have a 52 TD with the original style oil filter (the 2 piece verticle cast aluminum remote of the pump style). My car was has had the same oil pressure since forever (I've owned the car for 35 years)....always ran a 35 psi when warm and at idle and on the road 40+.

The car needed a valve adjustment due to lack of power (as a 1st step) and while it was in the shop I had brakes and bushing checked as well as an oil change. I can't remember the last time I did an oil change so it must be some time ago (I rarly drive the car 2400 miles in the past 25 years... Very few recently). The oil filter looked like it had tar on it and the oil was very dirty. Both replaced with new (20w50 and a new filter from Moss at a cost of $60+ just for the old style/size filter).

When I picked up the car I noticed the oil pressure was at 20 and didn't get much higher (maybe 25) while at speed. 25 minutes later when I got it home (all warmed up) oil pressure was at 6 at idle and I couldn't get it up over 20 with increased revs.

I checked the pressure relief ball -all good. So I decided to remove the filter to see where oil pressure was as that seemed to be the only change made that I could figure would result in lower pressure. Without the filter 40psi cold idle... Put the filter back and 20 psi at idle cold. Seems like the filter is the cause but it is supposedly the correct one according to Moss.....any ideas?

 

[PAUL161]

Go to this site, go to members section, join, it's free, then click on MG T series in the index. Ask your question and you will get many answers from T owners around the world. It's the largest gathering of MG T owners anywhere. PJ



www.mg-cars.org.uk

 

[pdplot]

I had low pressure on a '51 TD I owned back in the day. It was due to a "scored ball". Early TDs were notorious for low oil pressure.
In your case, maybe try a different filter cartridge.

 

[Brinkerhoff]

The filter cartridge you described ( tall two piece aluminum) is not original but a popular aftermarket item. My TC has the same one. Moss has the correct filter and its $50 or so. Based on what you said about the price , it sounds like the correct one.

 

[JSabah]

Pdplot, ball and spring checked out perfect.

brinkerhoff, I did not realize that this part wasn't original, but an old style mod...thanks for the info. Now I don't feel as bad if I put in a modification to accept a modern day filter. I know I bought the correct filter from Moss, I just can't figure out how/why the pressure dropped with a new filter or why it goes back up when removed....could I be installing it wrong (didn't look like much to it) and blocking some in/outlet?

 

[Brinkerhoff]

I'm having the same problem with my TC now- 20 psi oil pressure at idle. Same filter as you have. I'll work on it today and see if I can offer some help to you also. If the filter plugs oil should divert through the bypass valve ( in the pump head) which has the same type ball and spring as the pressure relief valve . I'm wondering if that valve is not seating properly and not allowing the pump to build up pressure.

 

[PAUL161]

Before you go to an added expense, Get a NAPPA Gold 1300 filter and try it, I noticed no oil pressure change in my TF. I know of others who use this filter with no problems. That is, if the filter is your problem. PJ

 

[JSabah]

Paul, are you sure that you have the same housing as me. Moss shows the filter as 7"x2 3/4" and the Napa Gold 1300 is 4.129"x2.9" ..... I think we are talking about different housings.

 

[PAUL161]

J, might be, my engine is an XPEG 1500, not an XPAG 1250. I thought they used the same filters. My filter container is a tecalemit, not Purolator. I think LaVerne uses the NAPPA 1300 also on his TF. That's the filter NAPPAs book calls for. Yours must be a complete different setup. PJ

 

[Brinkerhoff]

Worked on the TC last weekend to improve oil pressure ( cold 40 psi and

 

[Brinkerhoff]

Sorry got cut off ! Cold oil pressure is 40 psi and warm drops to 20. I removed and examined the oil pressure relief ball and spring. The ball is scored and not available locally ( .5" ball bearing) so a new ball and spring are coming from Moss.

 

[PAUL161]

Started my TF up for the first time 2 days ago, in over a year, runs smooth as silk and idles at 55 lbs oil pressure. Pressure relieves at 60 lbs. PJ

 

[Brinkerhoff]

I replaced the freshly run filter with another and oil pressure went right up to 70 psi on the road and 40 at an idle . The new pressure relief ball and spring did not improve oil pressure. I'm thinking the filter was defective and too restrictive.

 

[pdplot]

Good news. That's really great oil pressure for that engine. Be careful and don't over-rev it.Those rod bearings have a tendency to run.

 

[Brinkerhoff]

Update !! There is a little clearance at the top of the filter where it fits into the housing and the filter can be moved side to side slightly and positioned and tightened down so that the oil outlet port is covered . The oil under pressure wants to push the filter out thereby covering the port and restricting flow. The sock type cartridge filter is wrapped with a fabric mesh that is glued to the sock so my solution was to band the top with mechanic's wire to draw it in slightly and contain the swelling. Oil pressure immediately went from 20 psi to 45 at an idle. I did try and trim some of the fabric mesh away thinking that would do the trick but it only worked for a bit until the pressure tried to push the sock into the outlet port ( 1st pic). The best solution is a slightly narrower filter , but this is working fine with the wire band. Don't just slap a new filter inside of this housing without checking first.

 

[Sarastro]

Wow, that's really interesting. I don't use that type of filter, but many people do. It sound like the kind of problem that users of that type of filter either have or will have. Thanks for figuring it out. Now the info will be available in the archives for a loooooong time.