Preparing for the worst
Discussion
OK, I will be connecting a new non-lotus/VDO oil pressure sender and guage this weekend to see whats really up with my oil pressure. So, I am preparing for the worst and trying to decide what route to take should I have an oil pressure prob. I have searched a bit for complete new motors, but havn't been able to find any in the US. Any suggestions? Also, should I decide to have it torn down and rebuilt, any suggestions on where I should have this done? I could probably handle a new engine install myself, but not a rebuild. I just don't have the tools for that. Also, if I do end up having it rebuilt, any suggestions on any other parts I should upgrade at the same time?
And, what are the chances, if I actually do have low oil pressure, that the oil pump may need replacing and causing the problem?
I am really hoping that the oil change and new gauge will show that there isn't really a prob. I have pleanty of pressure at start, and only gets low at idle after the engine has warmed up. It doesn't smoke or use any oil, so I am optimistic.
Thanks for any suggestions.
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
And, what are the chances, if I actually do have low oil pressure, that the oil pump may need replacing and causing the problem?
I am really hoping that the oil change and new gauge will show that there isn't really a prob. I have pleanty of pressure at start, and only gets low at idle after the engine has warmed up. It doesn't smoke or use any oil, so I am optimistic.
Thanks for any suggestions.
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
I haven't pulled a 910 motor apart, but I have done others such as a TC, MB Diesel, SBF, 22R, etc.
Couple-a-points:
First off, if you have the tools to R&R a motor, you have the tools to do a total rebuild. Sub out the machine shop work.
Next, don't fall into the trap of treating a number. Look at the patient. Is the patient sick? It is like back surgery: You go MRI 100 people off the street and you will find at least 10 with problems that can be treated surgically, herniated disks, etc. But, they are walking around fine and don't even know there is anything wrong with them. Giving them a whack is not in their best interest. So with your car, even if the pressure is low, you can just run it as it is until something bad does eventually happen, as it will with all mechanical things, but that may not happen for a very long time. Or, it might happen tomorrow.
Think about what causes low oil pressure: Loose (worn) bearings usually. If you can get the oil pan off with the motor still in the car, plastiguage the main and rod bearings and see where you are at. If you are within spec, just leave it alone. If too loose, you can try putting in a new set with the motor still in the car. Other possibility is a bad oil pump. Can you just replace it without R&R'ing the motor? I would try that next, after checking the bearing clearances.
I am also reminded of a story told to me by Billzilla (look him up on google). A friend of his raced in a spec class that was very tight. Virtually no mods to the motor allowed. Oil pump was open, so he put in a low pressure oil pump. Gained about 10 HP and wooped butt on everyone else. Think of it as a performance mod.
Dr.Hess
Couple-a-points:
First off, if you have the tools to R&R a motor, you have the tools to do a total rebuild. Sub out the machine shop work.
Next, don't fall into the trap of treating a number. Look at the patient. Is the patient sick? It is like back surgery: You go MRI 100 people off the street and you will find at least 10 with problems that can be treated surgically, herniated disks, etc. But, they are walking around fine and don't even know there is anything wrong with them. Giving them a whack is not in their best interest. So with your car, even if the pressure is low, you can just run it as it is until something bad does eventually happen, as it will with all mechanical things, but that may not happen for a very long time. Or, it might happen tomorrow.
Think about what causes low oil pressure: Loose (worn) bearings usually. If you can get the oil pan off with the motor still in the car, plastiguage the main and rod bearings and see where you are at. If you are within spec, just leave it alone. If too loose, you can try putting in a new set with the motor still in the car. Other possibility is a bad oil pump. Can you just replace it without R&R'ing the motor? I would try that next, after checking the bearing clearances.
I am also reminded of a story told to me by Billzilla (look him up on google). A friend of his raced in a spec class that was very tight. Virtually no mods to the motor allowed. Oil pump was open, so he put in a low pressure oil pump. Gained about 10 HP and wooped butt on everyone else. Think of it as a performance mod.
Dr.Hess
Thanks Doc, thats exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I have considered the fact that it doesn't seem to be hurting anything like it is. I mean it never gets anywhere near overheating. The oil and water temp is alway well within normal even on the hottest days in stop and go traffic. I just get really annoyed with the red flicker from the idiot oil light when the rpms pass 1600. I was also considering a prelube system that I could wire to kick on below certain rpms to keep it within acceptable specs.
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
John:
IF (let's hope not) you need a rebuild, the guy I'd have do it is Mike Fridman of Michael's Motorsports. He's a mechanic on the Grand-Am Esprit for Rapier Racing. He know a LOT of intersting mods to boost performance including UK spec cams, adjsutable time gears (so you get European torque), turbo modifications, etc. He's doing an engine for a friend as we speak and when it's done, likely one of the fastest 4 cylinders in the USA.
You can reach Mike at (508) 651-1515. Michael's Motorsports web site is www.MichaelsMotorsports.com
Mark Pfeffer
IF (let's hope not) you need a rebuild, the guy I'd have do it is Mike Fridman of Michael's Motorsports. He's a mechanic on the Grand-Am Esprit for Rapier Racing. He know a LOT of intersting mods to boost performance including UK spec cams, adjsutable time gears (so you get European torque), turbo modifications, etc. He's doing an engine for a friend as we speak and when it's done, likely one of the fastest 4 cylinders in the USA.
You can reach Mike at (508) 651-1515. Michael's Motorsports web site is www.MichaelsMotorsports.com
Mark Pfeffer
Thanks Mark. I have his website bookmarked now. Hopefully I won't need his services 
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
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