Author Topic: Oil pressure gauge  (Read 3064 times)

Ulf

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Oil pressure gauge
« on: May 09, 2016, 09:33:11 »
Have looked to see if this small issue has been covered elsewhere, but couldn't find it - when I fire up the engine, the oil pressure gauge goes from 0 to max immediately. I have never seen it in any other position than either nothing (with ignition off) or max when the key is turned. Is that normal?
Oil is always kept fresh and at the right level and the car runs great...

Ulf
1965 230 SL in silver (DB180)
1982 Land Rover Series III SWB
2008 Jaguar XF 3.0
2005 Mini Cooper

WRe

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Re: Oil pressure gauge
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2016, 09:58:28 »
Hi,
Yes, this is normal when everything is alright. There is a pressure relief valve which relieves the pressure at (afaik) ~3.8 bar which is maximum otherwise the pressure will be to high. Only  when your engine is really hot  the pressure can fell down to 1-2 bar but I haven't seen it up to now.
...WRe

ctaylor738

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Re: Oil pressure gauge
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2016, 18:51:52 »
With a fully warmed-up engine and an idle in the 600-800 rpm range, most cars will come off the 3 bar mark at idle.  But it only takes a small increase in RPM to "peg' the gauge. 

So, where does your temperature gauge sit?  What is your idle rpm?  What weight oil are you using?
Chuck Taylor
1963 230SL #00133
1970 280SL #13027 (restored and sold)
1966 230SL #15274 (sold)
1970 280SL #14076 (sold)
Falls Church VA