Oil Pressure

[TVR_CS]

I'm relative new to owning a Cerbera, 2 months now and I noticed last weekend while at BNG that my oil pressure was fine when motoring around but would drop to 0 psi, yes thats right zero! On reving the engine the pressure gauge would mimick the rev counter up to 40-60psi. Any ideas anyone.

Thanks

[BLUETHUNDER]

I know this is a silly question. But have you checked the oil level??

[gruffalo]

Zero not good, 60PSI fine/good for hot running over 2000RPM, 40PSI should be a hot idle sort of reading.

Gauges are not the best so check that out, also check the capillary pipe that feeds the gauge, they can become trapped and some time melt onto other parts causing restricted flow so at idle there may not be enough flow to register on the gauge.

Good Luck.

[Tanguero]

Replace the oil pressure relief valve spring as a matter of urgency.

[shoggyraminator]

Tanguero said:

Replace the oil pressure relief valve spring as a matter of urgency.

Do this anyway even if it's not the problem. Mine looked bent but on closer inspection it was cracked just about to break into two.

[markh1]

I want to change mine too, where is the oil pressure relief spring and is it easy to change?

[mickk]

Have a read of this, i get mine done every service now.

http://www.track-days.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Pressure Relief Spring - Very Useful Tip&mid=0

[markh1]

mickk said:

Have a read of this, i get mine done every service now.

http://www.track-days.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Pressure Relief Spring - Very Useful Tip&mid=0

Thats great thanks!

[TVR_CS]

Thanks everyone for response. Admittedly I haven't had chance to check the oil level since last weekend but it was okay two weeks ago. I will check the level over the weekend, I have also just ordered 2 Oil relief springs just in case.

[Gazzab]

You lose all pressure but you dont check oil level?! Keep it at max, no lower.

[TVR_CS]

Topped up the oil today, back up to max but no difference made.

How about this for a theory? sounds like I have a belt slipping (high pitched squealing at times) is the oil pump belt driven?, could this be the reason for the drop in pressure when I take my foot off the gas, when I put my foot down, although the belt is slipping slightly the increase in engine speed gets the pump pumping correctly. If you agree, anyone have pics of the position of the oil pump/belt? and part no for replacement belt or how to adjust?

Thanks

[jammy_basturd]

Oil pump isn't belt driven, sorry!

Change the oil relief valve spring, and I wouldn't recommend driving it till you do. Getting 0psi oil pressure at any time will dramatically increase the wear on parts like the crank and camshafts.

If the spring doesn't help, then unfortunately it would point to something being wrong with the oil pump.

[Gazzab]

You have a speed six? The oil pressure does get low on these. Get it to a (specialist) garage, preferably dont start it and dont drive it though.

[TVR_CS]

Yes I've got a speed six. It's going back to the garage that I purchased it from in October after I return from holiday for some warranty work on the clutch, but the worry/concern is the 150 mile trip to get there. I've oredered a oil relief spring so am going to try and replace that to see if that sorts it. I think I will have to speak to the garage to get them to either collect it or for them to pay to get it sorted localy.

[Gazzab]

Have you a copy of the invoice for am engine rebuild? Presume it's had one in last few years. Maybe call that co for advice? Maybe try the speed six engine forum.

[TVR_CS]

Well the TVR specialist (& seller of the car) reckon that it is nothing to worry about as I have normal pressure around 3-4K revs, and that there will be pressure at tickover as if there wasn't the oil warning light would have come on? They mentioned the oil relief spring and would take a look at it when I take it in. I plan on replacing the spring before hand though, is it just a case of removing the nut and then the spring, I presume oil won't come pouring out.

[jammy_basturd]

Yup, changing the oil pressure relief spring is that easy. Just undo the nut, take the old one out (make sure there are no pieces left behind), put new on in and put nut back on. No loss of oil or anything.

What the 'specialist' says doesn't seem quite right to me. The oil pressure light sensor could quite easily be unplugged or faulty, and that's why it isn't coming on. You know the gauge is working fine because you get a reading above 3-4k rpm, therefore it is a fair assumption that the reading of 0psi at tickover is generally correct too. Let that engine idle for any length of time at 0psi oil pressure and you'll very quickly have a dead engine!

I'd say get a second opinion from another specialist like Sr8 Six, TVR Power, APM, etc.

[Gazzab]

Posted on s6 forum yet? All will be revealed.

[TVR_CS]

Tried to have a look at the oil relief spring this morning following these pics in another post but cant seem to find it? is this a SP6 engine in the pics or a 4.2/4.5. If it is a 4.2/4.5 engine, anyone got good pics of the spring position on the SP6.

Thanks,

Chris

Julian64 said:

Easy to do, simple undo the nut shown by the arrow, 24mm spanner. Inside you will find a small spring pushing on a small ball bearing. Remove, replace and do the nut back up, simple.

[G20RG B]

Hi Chis that engine isn't a SP6...Can't help any more than that as I don't know where it is on my S6 either, someone will be along shortly who will.........