TR2/3/3A Target Oil Pressure for new TR3 Rebuild?

[PatGalvin]

Hey Guys

What should my oil pressure be at idle when I start my newly rebuilt engine?

I've been stressing over this rear seal oil leak and a very smart buddy of mine thought my oil pressure at 70 psi (idle) was too high and this could be blowing by the seal. I disassembled the oil filter head so I'm sure I disrupted the factory oil pressure settings.

Pat

 

[TR3driver]

70 psi is fine. The rear seal is not exposed to oil pressure, so oil pressure has relatively little effect on it.

Some claim that the drain hole for the space between the rear main & seal is too small, and so too much _flow_ might cause pressure to build against the seal. But if you are carrying 70 psi at idle, there isn't too much flow.

If you really want to prove the point, try changing to 5W30 oil. Most likely, it will lower your idle oil pressure, and increase the leak.

 

[PatGalvin]

Thanks Randall

I did drill the rear main cap to allow better drainage, per directions for new seal. Thanks for insight on this.

Pat

 

[vivdownunder]

Factory specs are to set the bypass for 70psi at 2000 rpm. Pressure then drops back to 45-50psi at idle.

Viv.

 

[MDCanaday]

The real fun starts when you put a fresh set of bearings into a motor that has had the relief screw over adjusted.When you start it up, the pressure blows the gauge to hades in a spray of hot oil!!!You will only do this once in your life....
MD(mad dog)