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Oil Pressure Relief Valve - Proper Function

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RJS

RJS

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This is an issue of curiosity more than anything. Engine warm I get 50psi at idle and 65psi at 2,000 RPM. That's to spec per the manual.

However, when revs exceed 2,000 the oil pressure continues to slowly climb above 65psi. Is that normal or is the oil pressure relief valve supposed to hold it flat at 65-70psi regardless of RPM?

Oh, and when the engine is cold and I take the revs over 2,000 RPM (which I rarely do until warmed up), the oil pressure will spike as high as 90psi. Any reason to be concerned here?

For what it's worth, I am running Castrol GTX 10W-40 conventional.

Thanks

Bob
 
The spec in the TR3 manual is 70 PSI. The pressure relief valve is supposed to limit oil pressure to that maximum value. I have heard that cold oil <span style="font-style: italic">can</span> exceed the ability of the valve, but I haven't experienced it. I use Valvoline VR-1 (conventional) 20-50, and my oil pressure doesn't exceed 75 PSI, warm or cold.

To set it, I started the car and held 3000 RPM to see where the oil pressure went to. Then I adjusted the valve to 70 PSI. That should get it.

90 PSI is a bit high. You may need to clean and/or adjust yours. The biggest danger is blowing out an oil filter, or filter gasket, causing a rapid loss of oil and pressure. It also strains the pump needlessly.
 
Before you go too far adjusting things, I'd look for independant verification of the gauge accuracy. 40 year old gauges don't always tell the truth.

Otherwise, I agree with Moseso.
 
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