oil pressure problem

[GTRMikie]

If I don't use my car for a couple of days then I have to re-prime the oil pump before I can get any oil pressure! What could be causing the oil to drain back into the sump so quickly?

[Cooperman]

A worn pump or too-thin oil (or even both of these)?
Try changing to Valvoline Racing 20/50 oil first - it's what I use in my rally Minis
We had this with a 970 'S' a few years ago and it turned out to be the oil pump. Changed it for a Metro Turbo high-capacity pump and had no more problems.
Let us know how you get on with this.

[phil hill]

Oil pressure relief valve sticking, split oil pump gasket, cracked/damaged oil pump body or backplate, FOD under oil pump, damaged o-ring between engine block and gearbox, damaged gasket on blanking cover on back of gearbox, damaged oil pickup pipe.......

[Cooperman]

Hi Phil,

I think what you're saying is 'get the engine out and check everything before risking any damage'.
Couldn't agree more.

Peter

[phil hill]

I had a problem on my last build which was unusual to my mind, but see what you think. What had happened was the alloy top cover of the oil pump had got cracked, probably by either a clumsy installation of the cam, or the cam got accidentally "whacked" when the tab washer was removed or refitted on the timing wheel.

The outcome was if I used the car daily then oil pressure built up ok, but if I left it for any longer it took a lot of cranking to build pressure. The actual pressure when it was running was fine, but I didn't like the fact I had to keep on "priming" it up, it's my everyday car afterall.......

Since this experience I request a steel-covered oil pump everytime.......

>> Edited by phil hill on Wednesday 18th August 13:47

>> Edited by phil hill on Wednesday 18th August 13:49

[Cooperman]

Phil,

That's a new one on me, but you do learn new things about Minis all the time.
Going home to fit my re-built engine into the Enduro Rally Car this evening, if I can find the energy.

Peter

[rougeleo]

you'll find the energy I,m sure .
I have a different oil preesure problem in the 1293 MEd engine in my Sprint , its far to high .

You,ve told me the solution before Pete , refresh my memory on how much to take off the spring .

85 psi !!!!!

[Cooperman1]

Have a look to see if there is an extra washer behind the spring in the screw-plug. If there is, just remove it. Alternatively, I have a load of different springs you could try.
Really, 85 psi at cold is not too bad as it will drop back when hot. My red car is about 80 psi cold. If it's 85 hot, then it must be about 100 psi when cold and that's a bit too high.
Couldn't be bothered to put the engine in the black car this evening. I'll do it tomorrow when 'Cooperlad' comes around to help.
Call round soon, Rog, you'll be surprised how well it's coming on, but must press on with it as I'm supposed to move house in about 4 weeks.

Peter

[GTRMikie]

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't think it would be an easy fix. The engine comes out next week!