Discussion
Just be warned, the gauge itself isnt callibrated and hence it varies from car to car. Some might read 20 while others might be 40.... but the important thing is to make sure that it is high when cold and drops slightly when warm..... and that it doesnt get below a certain level when driving around..... but what the minimum level is - well who knows...
As has been said, the guages aren't calibrated, and in my case that's a bloody good thing! Mine reads 90 on start-up, dropping to 75-ish once she's warmed through.
I work on the basis that as long as it stays up the right hand end - and doesn't try to climb off the scale - all is well.
I work on the basis that as long as it stays up the right hand end - and doesn't try to climb off the scale - all is well.
I realise this topics probably been done to death but as has already been said the Rover V8 runs relatively low oil pressure (compared with most engines), with this system designed with an emphasis on flow rather than pressure. The serpentine engines do tend to produce slightly higher pressures on account of the higher capacity (and totally different) oil pump. My 18000m serpentine (1999) 4.5 will hit an absolute max of 45psi -maybe 50 (indicated) on a cold day on starting but fully hot will struggle to exceed 35 -40 psi even at high rpm, with about 15psi at idle. If the pressure is really low you might start to get tappet noise at low rpm / idle as the supply to the hydraulic tappets becomes marginal and that would be concerning. The gauge readings can be very unreliable, esp as the sender ages, if you are worried you should really fit a properly calibrated independent pressure gauge and confirm whats really going on. >> Edited by tahiti450 on Tuesday 27th July 21:36
johnny bravo said:
Driving to work today and noticed oil pressure was reading 35 to 40 lbs. per foot ....The car is a 4L 1995
So, how high was it by the time you got to work?
Well, I occasionally get 15psi just by switching the ignition on! Normally max 55-ish cold, 20-25 warm at cruising speeds. About 10 at idle.
If the warning light comes on at any time be afraid. Be very afraid.
the dodger said:
Driving to work today and noticed oil pressure was reading 35 to 40 lbs. per foot ....The car is a 4L 1995
So, how high was it by the time you got to work?
Well, I occasionally get 15psi just by switching the ignition on! Normally max 55-ish cold, 20-25 warm at cruising speeds. About 10 at idle.
If the warning light comes on at any time be afraid. Be very afraid.
Dont be afraid, declutch and turn off the engine
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