Oil pressure on fresh rebuilt engine

[65MK1S]

Was wondering if this pressure might be too high on
my newly rebuilt engine. Although is running castrol
classic 20-50w this is the pressure realized by turning
engine with the starter. I'm using the ball relief for oil
pressure instead of the stock piston. Thanks for any
thoughts. Realize that pressure won't be the same after
actual engine run when the engine warms up. Just can't
remember from the foggy past ever having this good of
oil pressure.
Thanks
Kent

oil pressure.jpg

[LarryLebel]

I would say its too high, possibly because you are using a ball. If I recall properly, when I changed to a ball I had to shorten the spring. Get your motor up to temp to see what the oil pressure actually is before messing with the spring. Its easier to add an extra sealing washer to the plug than cutting the spring.

[65MK1S]

I would say its too high, possibly because you are using a ball. If I recall properly, when I changed to a ball I had to shorten the spring. Get your motor up to temp to see what the oil pressure actually is before messing with the spring. Its easier to add and extra sealing washer to the plug than cutting the spring.

Thanks Larry, great advice

[Desmodromic]

Agreed, that's too high.

I had something similar last year when I installed a ball valve in my 1275. I replaced it with the standard valve, and all was well.

[Dan Tweed grey]

When using the ball my pressure also was too high, I removed about 2mm from the spring length.
I had a spare spring anyway so though i would experiment.

[1071 S]

I would agree,,,easiest way to reduce pressure is to add a few copper oil drain plug washers under the valve cap.

Adding or subtracting washers allow you to adjust the pressure as things settle down.

Cheers, Ian

[Peter Laidler]

Add washers..... that's a good idea. Yep, doing the same as but better than the inexact '..... chopping a few coils...' off the spring idea

[Polarsilver]

Been into Hydraulics all my working life and i fail to understand why we want loads of oil pressure in the A series engine .. me too have tried Ball & uprated springs ( Because the so called engine experts pushed this idea in past times ) and found for me its is better to refresh the seat within the Block & use the original type of Taper Seat Tube and the standard spring ... I think original engine designers just forgot to list this Oil Pressure Valve as a service part ..

[iain1967s]

When using the ball I cut 1/4 inch off the spring then used an adjustable cap to adjust pressure back into sensible range.
Aim for around 50 on idle, 75 on power.

The only advantage a ball has over the piston type is that it won’t stick open if there is grit in the oil. But IMHO your engine is already toast if it’s that bad anyway…