Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Fatbloke · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2014 12:55 pm Post subject:

It might be that the oil pressure relief valve is sticking open. Had that on a mates MGB last month.

D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

Alright Fatbloke?

Jim.Walker · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 1229 Location: Chesterfield

baconsdozen · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Under the car.

The actual pressure might be the same (as once compressed the pressure in the air bubble and oil will be the same) but I found the mechanical gauge was erratic and much slower to rise with an air lock. Bleeding it made a mess and restored its normal readings at one and the same time.
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Thirty years selling imperial hand tools for old machinery(Now happily retired).

Bitumen Boy · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 12:54 pm Post subject:

Had no time to do anything about this for quite a while now, but managed to steal a couple of hours this morning. Testing the temp gauge & sender with thermometer and hot water shows that gauge to be surprisingly accurate - just below 90c mark on gauge, 88c on thermometer - so it looks like a new thermostat is on the shopping list along with a few oil filters and various other odd bits. Also tried having a look at the oil pressure relief valve but couldn't quite remove it with the engine in situ, it unscrews but fouls on the chassis and won't come out. Perhaps when I have more time raising the engine slightly with a jack will provide the necessary clearance, there isn't much in it. When that might be is anyone's guess though Rolling Eyes

Bitumen Boy · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 5:10 pm Post subject:

Quick update, a parcel of parts arrived the other day - well, I say arrive, with the whole day to choose from it came while I was out for 20 mins walking the dog, so I had to go and get it from the sorting office Rolling Eyes

But anyhoo, I changed the oil filter this afternoon and went out on a quick local run to the shops, haven't been far as yet but the early signs are encouraging, oil pressure seems to be back to normal both at cold start and when up to temperature, a real differnce from when I did the same trip the other week. I have a longer trip to do tomorrow which will get it properly hot so should know for sure then, but hopefully the only thing left to do is fit the new thermostat Smile

I still can't figure out how a simple filter could cause this problem Confused

but it does prove the value of fitting a gauge and keeping an eye on it.

Phil - Nottingham · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 1252 Location: Nottingham

Was the "new" filter NOS as old filters are notorious for collapsing internally as they dry out.
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Rover P2
Rover P4
Rover P5 & P5B
Land Rover S2 & S3
Morris Mini Traveller Mk2

Bitumen Boy · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 8:20 pm Post subject:

Bitumen Boy · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 2:48 pm Post subject:

Been for a decent run today, looks like it is sorted. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts on another odd problem Smile

Phil - Nottingham · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 1252 Location: Nottingham

But that is point with classics - its not the end of the world or a huge bill (and long delay) to fix it as with modern cars. They need regular attention for sure but at least they can be be fixed
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Rover P2
Rover P4
Rover P5 & P5B
Land Rover S2 & S3
Morris Mini Traveller Mk2

kevin2306 · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 9:16 pm Post subject:

great to have a decent outcome!

kev

baconsdozen · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Under the car.

Yes a good result. I agree with the ebay comments,looking at it now they seem to have pretty much got rid of the small private sellers and the chance of a bargain.Now its mainly new,cheap tat.
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Thirty years selling imperial hand tools for old machinery(Now happily retired).

Bitumen Boy · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2014 12:58 pm Post subject:

petermeachem · Joined: 23 Sep 2013 Posts: 358 Location: Chichester Sussex

Just use myhermes or collect plus. Confusingly myhermes collect from my door, collect plus I drop off in the local garage. Both cheaper than parcel force. They do have size restrictions

stevel98 · Joined: 04 Apr 2014 Posts: 74

These "old" oils are plain rubbish. The cans may look good on a garage shelf but the contents are probably just recycled oil.

A good quality oil, is worth spending money on especially a decent synthetic as they lubricate way better than the old mineral stuff and last almost indefinately, so it works out cheaper. Not all sythetics are thin either.

My 150k mile Corvette uses Mobil1 Extended life 10w60 and is changed every two years or 20k miles. The old oil is still very good and is in fact filtered though muslin and reused by my neighbour for his Morris Oxford!

btw.. Duckhams was bought out by BP over 45years ago, and the green 20w50 oil we get so misty eyed about was in fact BP Visco-Static with a green dye.

Don't skimp on oil, its just not worth it for a cute old timey can..