Assuming the gauge is at all accurate (a big assumption), that sounds a
little low. But what does it read at, say, a 3000rpm cruise? On an older
engine the idle pressure can get pretty low, but it's the oil pressure under
load that probably is critical. For comparison, my motor (which is in the
25K miles range) idles at 40psi, and reads 70+ at highway speeds.
What is the mileage on your engine? I wouldn't be getting overly concerned
(in college my buddy drove a B for a year with 5psi at warm idle, 25 at
speed), but I might take it as a clue about the general state of wear.
Some other folks were concerned about too high oil pressure -- I wonder if
the difference between 75 - 80 - 85 psi is worth worrying about, or if it's
within the range of error expected of the gauge, or due to different oil or
other factors.
on 3/29/02 8:03 AM, AGreenberg@aol.com at AGreenberg@aol.com wrote:
> Hmmmm 75lbs. Is that what a reasonable engine should be getting? I get
> about 65 when the we first start up but it drops down to about 35-45 when
> running. At idle after warmup I'm seeing about 20. Should I be alarmed? By the
> way I use 20w50.
>
> Best
>
> Alex
>
>
> Alex Greenberg
> Member Connecticut (USA) MG club
>
> 1976 MGB - Fair weather daily driver ( Junior )
> 1993 Subaru Legacy LSi - ridiculously reliable car
> 1974 Ducati 750 GT - wonderfully, beautiful motorcycle
>
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the primer red one with chrome wires
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