oil pressure

[ray_von]

Can someone explain this to a thicko. When my car starts up the gauge reads just over 45 psi and does so most of the time, the cam sounds like two skeletons in a dust bin. However on the occassions when the pressure drops to around late 20's-30 no noise at all.Is too much pressure as much a problem as too little ??
edited to add just assuming its the camshaft

>> Edited by ray_von on Thursday 22 December 12:46

[Big Brin]

A mystery! From a pure amateur's point of view, I'd suggest doing a quick check to ensure that the breathers onto of each of the rocker covers are not blocked. According to Steave Heath's book, when the breather's get blocked with 'gunk' it can lead to increased presure in the engine.

Rgds, Brin

[ray_von]

cheers but already done this

[GreenV8S]

Oil pressure will be higher when the engine is cold and when starting from cold you will typically get more noises as various clearances will be out, if a lifter has drained then you wll also get a heavy clatter from this for a few seconds from cold while it refills.

[ray_von]

Cheers Peter just re read my original post and it is a load of rubbish.The car, even when up to temp runs at 45 psi ish I have only seen it drop to late 20's maybe once or twice and then there is no noise. Sorry

[smedlen]

My money is on it being a blowing exhaust manifold gasket. That's a common problem and sounds just like major engine trouble.
However, I'm sure a dealer will change your camshaft if you insist! If you ask them to do both at the same time they will probably give you a discount.