Adjusting Oil Pressure onn TR4

[Dave Ashworth]

Hi Folks,

 

Oil pressure is a little low on a TR4. Engine seems fine and no smoke or oil.

 

It runs at just over 50psi and drops to about 25 on idling.

 

I have been advised that you can adjust the oil pressure with the nut on the oil filter housing.

 

Can anyone advise me if this is correct, and the best way to go about it if it is.

 

Thanks very much for your help.

 

Dave.

[Fireman049]

Hi Dave ~

 

Yes, you can adjust the oil pressure by slacking off the nut and screwing in the centre stud with a screwdriver

just like adjusting a tappet. Keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge. DON'T overdo it!!

 

Tom.

[graeme]

I think this best done with cold oil as you are adjusting the pressure relief valve. If done hot you may overpressurise at cold start up.

 

Anyway at 50/25 I woudn't worry about it.

 

Cheers

 

Graeme

[Dave Ashworth]

Thanks Tom and Graeme.

 

Time for antifreeze today and I'll have a look at it in the cold.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Dave.

[ianc]

I agree with Tom and Graeme - any adjustment should be made with engine thoroughly warm, and 50psi when running is nothing to worry about, my car runs at that all the time.

The most important thing is to have oil flow, as the oil not only lubricates the bearings, it acts as a coolant, removing heat from the working parts and transferring it to the sump.

Ian Cornish

[RogerH]

Hi Dave,

what reading do you get from cold at 2000rpm?.

 

If you get 50psi when running (warm) then at cold it should be higher.

 

It may be that due to wear etc 50 when warm is what you have.

 

Roger

[Rob Salisbury]

Hi Dave, Workshop Manual value for running temperature oil pressure is 70 to 75psi at 2000rpm if using a 20-50 grade mineral oil, so adjust when fully hot,

your idle pressure looks very healthy, so you just need to adjust the upper value.

Cheers Rob

[McMuttley]

70-75 ? - I only get circa 60 ish (or 0-20 on idle !)

[RogerH]

Hi Austin,

don't panic it's only oil pressure.

 

60psi is good generally. What is your idle rpm - 800+ is OK.

 

Roger

[McMuttley]

I fiddled with my idle and now it is 1100, fiddled the screws back but it wont slow down !

 

I am amazed that despite so much oil leaking out, my dipstick is full

[Fireman049]

My TR3A is quite happy to idle at 500 RPM!

 

Tom.

[McMuttley]

Tom, things are a tad slower in Wales !

 

(Waiting for Jo's taxi)

[TriumphV8]

Oil pressure can not be adjusted to increase at idle.

The system is made that pressure rising over a given maximum

will not destroy the gears but open a valve to release the pressure.

 

At idle the pressure valve is closed anyway.

 

Idle oil pressure can be increased by keeping the oil cool

look for thick oil like 20W50 or 10W60

or fixing pressure losses in the bearings like main, big end

and especially the cam bearings.

 

High oil pressure brings wear to the gears and the oil pump extension there.

In my opinion more than 6 bars is not necessary what even at stock is more.

 

I am coming from the Rover engines where 3bars is normal

and at idle the light is sometimes flickering, especially at the TVRs

with the old oil pumps.