Low oil pressure

**lidvii** · 8th June 2015, 06:45 PM

The oil pressure low light is coming on when the engine is warm and at idle.

The oil pressure low light stays lit when the engine starts from cold. It takes about 20 seconds to go out. The motor runs a lot quieter once the oil light goes out.

Could this be as simple as the pressure relief valve being stuck open? Or is it most likely the oil pump gears?

Or something else?

V8 3.5 rover motor 1988 stock.

**Homestar** · 8th June 2015, 06:51 PM

How many KM has the engine done?

Mine did the same after it clocked up 350KKM. Oil pump clearances would have been very bad, as was the rest of the engine, so I stuck a new one (engine) in it.

**Meccles** · 8th June 2015, 06:53 PM

These engines are known for low oil pressure, and associated issues.
How many km's on engine? Could be wear/age. Easy enough to fit new oil pump gears/and relief valve which is one way to go. Paul at Rover V8 Engines, Parts and Services from V8 Tuner sells gears etc and higher pressure relief valve springs, about 30 quid for gears. They have been good to deal with

**lidvii** · 8th June 2015, 07:02 PM

The motor has travelled a lot of miles. However the oil pump is a bit of an unknown. I fitted a second hand timing cover and oil pump. The gears looked okay but I guess not.

Does not look expensive for the new parts. I'd better order them up and get them fitted.

**Homestar** · 8th June 2015, 07:11 PM

In the meantime, use some thicker oil - it works well as a stop gap - I did this with mine,

**DoubleChevron** · 8th June 2015, 07:18 PM

check the oil pressure switch ... Is it weepy ? You oil pressure maybe ok, but the switch is on it's way out.

seeya,
Shane L.

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 9th June 2015, 07:45 AM

doesnt explain the noise change,,

**350RRC** · 9th June 2015, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by lidvii

The motor has travelled a lot of miles. However the oil pump is a bit of an unknown. I fitted a second hand timing cover and oil pump. The gears looked okay but I guess not.................

You did pack the gears in the pump with vaseline to prime it, and used a drill with the dizzy out to see if it would make pressure before starting?

Could be all that's wrong, plenty of info if you search.

Chevs don't have these strange issues. TF

cheers, DL

**lidvii** · 9th June 2015, 07:30 PM

I primed the pump with petroleum jelly when I installed the (2nd hand) timing cover. I dont think the initial prime is the cause of the current problem.

I'm wondering if the pressure relief valve is stuck open.

I'll take it all to pieces and have a look.

**lidvii** · 21st July 2015, 10:45 AM

I fitted the 'old' oil pump gears, housing and pressure relief valve at the weekend. These were the ones that were on the engine before I replaced the timing cover and before this 'low oil pressure' problem started.

I'd say making this change has made little to no difference. The engine still rattles when cold and quietens down after the oil pressure light goes out. After about 20 seconds of running.

Once warm the oil light comes on at idle and goes out once the revs build.

Given the high miles that the engine has covered 335,000KM I know it is worn but this problem started only after I ran an engine flush and changed the oil. (Penrite HBR Gas 30 (20W-60))

Is it possible that the flush has somehow contributed to this issue?

Could the oil filter be defective? Does it have a non return valve?
Could the oil strainer in the sump be blocked? perhaps with debris from the flush)

Paul

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Low oil pressure

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