Oil pressure drop in new engine


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By MoonShadow - 17 Years Ago
Today, I noticed my oil pressure has changed! The engine was starting at 60+ pounds cold then settling down to about 40. Would go to 15-20lbs hot. Now it's starting at about 20lbs and goes down to 5-8lbs hot. No rattles or noises, the pickup and tube were cleaned before installing. I'm hoping that a piece of trash got up in the oil system OR perhaps the bypass valve in the oil filter is stuck open. Any Ideas on this? Chuck in NH
By Hoosier Hurricane - 17 Years Ago
Chuck:

I noticed in your post in the Classified section that you had carb flooding issues with two different carbs.  It is possible that you have diluted the oil with gasoline, making it much too thin.  Another possibility is the relief valve in the oil pump is stuck open.  Just a couple suggestions to keep you busy for a while.

John in Selma, IN

By MoonShadow - 17 Years Ago
I thought about the diluted oil and did an oil change. I didn't change the filter though so I'll do that tomorrow. The oil pump valve is behind the large plug on the pump correct? Chuck in NH
By Hoosier Hurricane - 17 Years Ago
Chuck:

Yes.

John

By Ted - 17 Years Ago
I will also agree that the oil pump relief valve would be at the top of the list.  Easiest route is simply remove the plug on the pump and see if the relief valve will move easily.  Unfortunately, just the act of removing the plug from the pump can potentially free up the valve and you may not know for sure if that was the problem without reinstalling the plug back in the pump and starting the engine back up.  Although it takes more effort, removing the the pump from the engine and without jarring it too much, you can carefully pull off the cover and gears and see if the bypass valve is stuck open.  No guarantee that any jarring of the pump while doing this will not relax the relief valve also but with the pump off of the engine, the valve assembly can be worked on somewhat easier if there is indeed a burr or other piece of matter hanging the valve open.