Low oil pressure when turning left?!

[CerbWill]

Another new and interesting problem, my oil pressure drops when turning left. If done at low speeds (& low engine RPM), eg turning on to my driveway, it'll drop all the way to zero, accompanied by the oil pressure warning light, but will come back up a few seconds later. I've checked the oil level and its full.

I'm not 100% what to do about it but I think I'll start by getting the oil sump off and seeing whats what in there, and probably getting the cam covers off and checking cam shafts and followers for oil coating and any wear that might have occurred. Any further advice is much appreciated.

[CerbWill]

Don't think it's the woodruff key as it never happens when turning right but I'll give it a go anyway.


I've often heard about this oil pressure relief spring but haven't found where it is yet. Where is it?

[CerbWill]

Thanks gruffalo. Oil pressure relief spring is intact.

Martin, turning the steering when stationary has no effect on oil pressure.

[CerbWill]

Engine temp makes no difference. Usually getting about 80 PSI on startup, about 70 PSI when running, and 40-50 PSI hot idle, using 0W-40 oil.

I've taken the throttles and cam covers off, plenty of oil on the cams and no damage/wear there. However I noticed a strip of the sealing foam stuff for the airboxes was missing from the front of the N/S intake and the No. 1 intake valve has some deposits on it, see pic below. All the other intake valves are clean. Not sure how that'd explain the oil issue though, or if its anything to worry about?



I guess I'll just let it sit with the dipstick out and see whats what in a few hours.

[CerbWill]

Yup, drained and refilled with oil, all seems ok after a couple of short drives. Thanks all.