In a message dated 95-06-20 18:25:28 EDT, widget@pixi.com writes:
>Common problem but can be fixed with the switch to synthetic oil.
>It'll stay
>at 50 at idle.
My TR4, with reasonably fresh engine, suffers from the "low oil pressure when
hot" syndrome. Since I rebuilt it myself, I'm not totally surprised, but I'd
love to find out whether it's something I did wrong or what?
For the first 10 - 15 minutes of driving, the pressure is 70-75 pounds, then
slowly tapers off to 45-50 at 3,000 RPM. No smoke or other bad signs, in
fact it runs very well and seems quite strong. At idle when hot, pressure
drops to 20.
Some things I think might have contributed to the problem:
1. The sleeves and crankshaft were miked within standard specs so I didn't
have them bored or turned and used standard rings and bearings.
2. TRF was out of cam bearings so I didn't replace them. However, I did not
have the block dipped for cleaning so the old ones may have been OK.
3. I replaced the cannister oil filter with a spin on. Someone recently
commented that the Frams have less "resistance" than original...could that
have an effect?
4. I replaced the oil pressure adjustment spring, with no effect.
5. I'm running straight 50 weight "racing" oil, which brought the pressure
up a few notches, but not enough to be "normal".
I'm interested in any suggestions as to what I might have done wrong during
the rebuild (I know I built it loose, but didn't think it'd have that much
effect). Also, to the comment that synthetic oil would correct the low oil
pressure problem, is that correct and if so, why?
As always, any input from anyone (even Greg), will be appreciated.
Thanks, Don Marshall
'57 TR3 '62 TR3-B '63 TR4
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