just purchased a 1987 tvr 350i

[TVRichy]

can anyone out there tell me if the oil pressure gauge is in PSI or Bar?

[Number 7]

Welcome - I think it will be a psi calibrated gauge. Does it have a little square symbol with " next to it?

[Wedg1e]

Bar, on my '87 390.

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

If it only goes to 10 or less it's Bar, if it goes to 60+ then it's PSI

[TVRichy]

if it is PSI i am only getting 15-20 when driving and just above 10 on idle, the engine sounds great with no bottom end rumble, could it be the PRV? or PRV spring? i am waiting for a psi test gauge to arrive to check it out.
thanks to all that have answered so far.

[keatsie]

I have about the same in terms of pressure, I have been advised to change the oil to something heavier 10w50 and think about changing the oil pressure relief spring. I have also been told that the engine is high flow not high pressure and as long as the oil pressure warning light does not come on it should be ok.

The sceptic in me is doing the same and going to check the actual pressure with an external gauge as the standard unit is unlikely to be that accurate - always interested in other peoples opinions.

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

keatsie said:

I have about the same in terms of pressure, I have been advised to change the oil to something heavier 10w50 and think about changing the oil pressure relief spring. I have also been told that the engine is high flow not high pressure and as long as the oil pressure warning light does not come on it should be ok.

The sceptic in me is doing the same and going to check the actual pressure with an external gauge as the standard unit is unlikely to be that accurate - always interested in other peoples opinions.

Stuff in Bold true to a certain extent, but you should have 10PSI per 1000 RPM, Also Ideally 20W50 it's is a good idea to test the system with a known working gauge or manual gauge.

The engine I was running last year in the racer on 20W50 that has done over 100K but it had 10 PSI per 1000 RPM, as I was also running an Data-logger with a £150 SPA digital Gauge

If pressure is too low and the gauge is right and pump is working ok, it could be a sign of worn bearing's

[JR]

TVR's guide was (is?) 2.5 bar at 2.5K revs. I'd guess oil pump spring or cover plate needs a face/poss skim.

[Number 7]

TVRichy said:

if it is PSI i am only getting 15-20 when driving and just above 10 on idle, the engine sounds great with no bottom end rumble, could it be the PRV? or PRV spring? i am waiting for a psi test gauge to arrive to check it out.
thanks to all that have answered so far.

Ideally you would be getting around 40 psi when above 2.5K rpm (hot) and maybe 15 psi hot idle. I always set idle to 1K anyway, to keep coolant flowing and oil pressure up a bit. As others have said, the grade of oil can make a noticeable difference to pressure, and gauges can be misleading. I run 15W 50 in mine BTW.

[grahamw48]

As is always pointed out....old-school engine needing old-school oil.

My V8s ticked over about 15lbs, 40-50lbs with some revs.(Hot)

[Henry Harris]

Bear in mind that the usual electric gauge is not accurate. I had an oil line gauge on my engine and the readings were well within specification, being a lot higher than I am getting with the fitted one.
Also refer to a previous post on types of oil - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[HOTTY]

Hi Richard

Welcome, have you owned a Tvr before ?

Got any pics of your new purchase ?

Were's home as there is a few of us wedgers in the Midlands (I live at Burton-on-Trent)

Hopefully you live local and are really good with mechanics, we will all call round

again welcome

[adam quantrill]

1. Change to 20W50.

2. Measure at 2k rpm constant, first cold then at full temperature.

3. Report the hot temperature - oil pressure depends on it.

Good luck with your new purchase - and welcome on board - see you at BBWF!

[mrzigazaga]

Another wedger is born...Welcome..Ziga

[Wedg1e]

Maybe it's the fine brandy, but I cant help reading the OP's username as TVR-itchy

[TVRichy]

HOTTY said:

Hi Richard

Welcome, have you owned a Tvr before ?

Got any pics of your new purchase ?

Were's home as there is a few of us wedgers in the Midlands (I live at Burton-on-Trent)

Hopefully you live local and are really good with mechanics, we will all call round

again welcome

i have just updated my profile with a picture and a bit of history.

[dixiebabes]

May all your miles be loud Richy.

Dix

[Jonny weggie]

I drive a 350i, 89 model, on idle - 10-15psi and motorway - 35-40psi, oil changed yearly whether it needs it or not, 10/40 fuechs oil. Has'nt missed a beat in the 3 years i've owned it.

jonny.

[350zwelgje]

Number 7 said:

..... I always set idle to 1K anyway ....

+1
At the moment running 20W50 (semi-synthetic) and all is fine, but have replaced the pressure relief spring a couple of years back. Used a standard one (think that uprating it on a standard 350i is not required), as the original was probably on its way out.
If oil pressure still is not ok, replacing the oil pump gears is cheap and would be my next step.

Rob

[TVRichy]

Wedg1e said:

Maybe it's the fine brandy, but I cant help reading the OP's username as TVR-itchy

thats a good one, but my wives name is scratchy!!!!!