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Oil Pressure

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John Morralee

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I have decided to make 'oil pressure'my winter project. Currently my '63 BJ7 shows 45 on start up, 25/30 when warmed up, 5/10 on warmed up tick over.It is guilty of a bit of smoke on first start up of the day (Is this guides?). Assuming that the gauge is correct.I intend removing head ,possible replacement of cam shaft and valve guides. I have read reports of spring tension and ball seating the g'box region so will peer down there also. Last question is the lead additive required to protect valves or seats or both? Any advice from others who have gone this route would be appreciated. A big t /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIFhank you to all responsible for this forum and the members who make it tick. John Morralee
 
You might try replacing the oil pressure relief valve and spring. It probably won't get the pressure up high enough, but it might help.
 
Been there, done that. I changed and then shimmed the oil pressure relief spring. Sometimes that can help, but probably not much. Then I had the rocker arm rebuilt. Not too expensive from Rocker Arm Specialities, but not much help in getting the oil pressure higher. How about a new oil pump? Yep, tried that too, kind of a messy job removing the oil pan and all, but guess what. No greater oil pressure.
So what's the real answer? BEARINGS, my friend, BEARINGS, rod and main and maybe cam bearings too. So while you got that oil pan off to replace that not too expensive oil pump, take an end cap off and examine a rod bearing. If you see lots of copper on the bearing and not the silver coating, plan on new bearings and an expensive rebuild.
With all that said, You might be able to drive your car for several years with the oil pressure just the way it is. While low, you may be ok for awhile.
 
I had pressure in the same area of about 5-8 lbs. at tick-over/hot.

Managed to up-it to 12-15 lbs. after discovering a horribly worn out cam chain tightener.
(This device's action is assisted in the MG by oil pressure, except, in my case it was gushing past the piston)

Also, I added an oil cooler.

These things helped me extend the life of an engine 2 more years. (of spirited driving)
 
Open your oil filler cap while the engine is running. If the rockers are gushing little gysers of oil you just found 10 lbs. Send the assembly to Rocker Arm Specialists.
 
John Had the similar oil pressure concern. Had the rockers checked & bought a new shaft from Welsh in UK. Took pan off plasti-gauged bearings - OK, overhauled the pump checking gear end play, new relief valve & spring - no great improvement. Then I took the cap of the relief valve off [on RH side just ahead of the starter] and put a 5/16-24 thread in the middle, took a 5/16-24 bolt and machined the head to act as a pilot for the spring and fit inside the provision in the cap. Then I ground a 1/4 hex on the protruding end of the bolt. With the spring cap installed back on the block I can slack off the securing lock nut and adjust tension to the spring while the engine is running. I found one [1] turn of the bolt = 4 psi increase. I adjusted to 60 psi cold start-up, 45 psi running hot, and 25 psi hot idle. Works great. I can proide a picture if needed.

Regards, Bob
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have decided to make 'oil pressure'my winter project. Currently my '63 BJ7 shows 45 on start up, 25/30 when warmed up, 5/10 on warmed up tick over.It is guilty of a bit of smoke on first start up of the day (Is this guides?). Assuming that the gauge is correct.I intend removing head ,possible replacement of cam shaft and valve guides. I have read reports of spring tension and ball seating the g'box region so will peer down there also. Last question is the lead additive required to protect valves or seats or both? Any advice from others who have gone this route would be appreciated. A big t /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIFhank you to all responsible for this forum and the members who make it tick. John Morralee

[/ QUOTE ]

Had similar (though slightly higher) pressures on my BJ8 when I got it. I replaced the oil pump and since then they've been just where they should be for the last two years.

AWEM
 
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