Oil pressure all over the place : part 2

[N4 FTW]

Right, following on from my other post about a fluctuating oil pressure, I have now changed the oil pressure relief spring and the oil pressure gauge is still the same.

The "old" spring had only been in the car for 1000 miles and looked identical to the new one.

The symptoms are :

The car was running fine with the oil pressure in the usual positions (30-40 PSI hot idle, 50-60 PSI 3krpm running and 70-80 PSI on cold start up).

The car still is running fine (no new noises, pulling and driving just as before) but now I get 40 PSI on start up and any where between 40 and 80 PSI when constant throttle cruising.

The car is not using any oil, smoking, no change in fuel consumption and runs just as before, faulty pressure gauge? Any other suggestions?

[ukkid35]

I would change the pressure sender, just for peace of mind.

[Silvervanman]

Hi Barry,
I'm having the same probs after a recent oil change and spring change.
Pressure up on what it was before but dancing needle now.
Mines a 4.5 and has been in the garage for nearly 10wks..........dont feckin get me started!
Mechanic thinks its a rotor arm type thingy at the front of engine, oil pump related i think.
Will keep you posted as to my progress on the matter.
Svm

[SimonKD]

ukkid35 said:

I would change the pressure sender, just for peace of mind.

I don't think standard Cerbs have oil pressure senders. The standard gauge is connected to a tapping on the engine by a piece of flexible pipe.

Some Cerbs with modded/digital type gauges will have senders though.

Regards
Simon

[N4 FTW]

I've changed the oil pressure switch as well, the wood rough key oil/water/power steering pump was replaced about a year ago.

As I say, the car is running as normal, not tapperty or noisey (than normal!) but the swinging oil pressure is a little unnerving!

[ridds]

I'd invest in or borrow a decent/calibrated mechanical gauge and fit it to the engine and see what is really going on. It could be your dash one is shot.

If not, its either going to be nackered drive again (how's the water temp and does the steering feel notchy when the engine oil pressure drops?) Or you've got a rather unhealthy bearing somewhere, although that sounds unlikely as it's running quietly.

[N4 FTW]

Thanks Ridds. The steering is fine at all times, smooth and consistent. Water temp is same as always, 80 degrees when cruising up to about 95 in traffic but the fans comfortably keep it under control.

I am leaning towards the faulty gauge, will get it checked with a calibrated gauge.

Thanks again for the advice!