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Oil Pressure

curtis

Jedi Trainee
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I have a 1500 Spit engine in my Herald Coupé and would like to know if you guys think the oil pressure is OK.
These figures are when hot.
600 rpm 12 lbs/sq in
2000 rpm 35
3000 rpm 60
I haven't had the car that long and I just thought the pressure had dropped a bit. Maybe I'm just a worrier /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Are the engines particularly sensitive to oil and filter changes?
Curtis
 
With numbers like those, I'd say you're probably in ok to pretty good shape. I believe the "spec" for hot oil pressure is something like 45-65 lb. Oil and filter changes *per se* don't make a big difference, but the grade of oil might. If you're not using at least a 10W-40 or possibly 20W-50 oil, you might want to try doing so at your next change, and see if it doesn't raise those lower rpm pressures.

Also, how quickly does pressure come up when starting? Hopefully within 1-2 seconds, with little or none of the "death rattle" of worn big end bearings!
 
I am running on 20 - 50 which was in it when I bought the car and the pressure picks up quickly.
Sounds like it's OK. Thanks Andy
Curtis
 
Curtis, a genaral rule of thumb is that 10 psi of oil pressure for every 1000 rpm should be sufficient.
Those aren't bad numbers for a 1500.
Jeff
 
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