I almost hate to reveal my numbers for fear of getting feedback
suggesting that I park the car...but here goes.
My 73 TR-6 has more than 175,000 miles...has never been rebuilt or in
fact had the head off (I've owned the car since '80 and know the
original (sole) owner. I change the oil regularly, have added a
stiffer spring in the pressure relief valve, added an oil cooler and
spin on filter. I'm using Castrol 20-50W HD.
At start in Winter months (say 30-50 degrees F) the oil pressure gauge
shows 75-80 lbs...until the car reaches operating temps when at cruise
(3000RPM) the press drops and is stable at +/- 45 lbs. At idle, hot,
in Winter the pressure drops to about 25 lbs.
In Summer (70-80 degrees F) the start pressure is about the same as
before, but cruise drops to around 30 lbs and hot idle (after an hour
at 70 mph) is about 15 lbs.
I've asked local experts, mechanics and engine specialists and their
answer is..."drive it until you begin to hear some unusual noises" at
start-up. I'm sure the engine could stand bearings and thrust
washers...no doubt...but I hate to begin another project (with two
major rebuilds in the garage already) and so I am following that
advice...the engine is strong, sounds normal and just runs fine. They
(mechanics) say that nearly all bearing failures are preceded by some
engine/rod knock at start-up...that not hearing that, one should be ok
to drive.
Oh well...when I call from the Pennsylvania Turnpike on the way to TRF
you all can remind me that I was pushing the old gal a little too
hard...and should have given her new rings, bearings etc...and
therefore deserve no sympathy!!!
PMcQ
76 Spit
73 TR-6
72 GT-6
69 GT-6+ (2)
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Low (?) Oil Pressure
Author: 75452.105@compuserve.com at Internet
Date: 6/12/97 3:48 PM
Mine has same setup except crank driven fan. Near identical running conditions
after good warming up:. Midpoint temp, 50lbs at speed, 25lbs at idle. These
conditions seem to be the majority reported by listers, though many seem worried
about it.
What, me worry?
Keith Ehrlich
74 TR6
46K Miles on OD, no known rebuilds (yet)
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