At 08:50 PM 8/28/2001 +0000, you wrote:
>I'm having a problem with my oil press. The reading on the gauge is jumping
>up and sometimes going way past the highest reading (off scale). As far as I
>can tell the pressure either reads at what I would consider the "correct"
>value for the rpm and temp. but then randomly jumps to levels well beyond
>the highest reading on the gauge (80psi?). My question is, what would cause
>the oil pressure to be or read so very high. I always thought there was a
>pressure relief built into the pump so it couldn't blow out the gaskets or
>bearings? If I'm right then the gauge or tubing must be at fault. Any advice
>will be greatly appreciated.
>Thanks in advance
>Doug Clark
>
Doug,
Yes there is an oil pressure relief valve in the pump.
It sounds like yours is sticking. When it sticks closed then the
oil pressure can climb to over 100 PSI. Hard on the hex shaft
and distributor gear. A new oil pump is cheap and available from
any parts store. Ford pump or aftermarket such as TRW etc.
Replace the hex shaft while you are at it. Also replace the
pickup screen or spend several hours cleaning the old one.
If you knock the screen loose under the "band" then crud will
get into the new pump and lock the pump. This leads to a twisted
hex shaft and broken distributor gear. If you are lucky the cam
gear will be OK. Tigers run for about 1 millisecond after the
oil pump stops. A tiny piece of rubber from a valve stem
seal did me in this year. Easy to drop the pan in a Tiger.
Messy job. Just make sure everything is clean before re-assy.
I use red locktite on the oil pump bolts.
James Barrett Tiger II 351C and others
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