Keith Craft Inc.- We service what we sell!!! Check out our Cobra engines!!! We build high performance racing engines and components for the fast pace strip racing industry as well as daily drivers who want to be FIRST!!!
Well you're engine can fail at 4 times the pressure required to turn off the little red light, when at high rpm high loads. This is why racers like oil pressure gauges, so they can see what the pressure is at those conditions.
The light winking at you at idle is not close to a failure at idle, but what is the pressure when you go WOT. You have no idea. You just know that the light went out.
On a new engine with a clean screen on the oil pump, the manufacturer can count on the fact that a gear type oil pump is relatively a positive displacement pump, thus flow is proportional to rpm. However after many miles, the warranty is gone. A plugged oil pump screen restricting oil flow will limit the flow to a maximum. Now the flow is not proportional to the rpm. The idiot light will not show that, only a pressure gauge will show you that. Many an engine has failed to too little oil flow and the little light never came on.
The manufacturer is not overly concerned about this unfortunate event, because one they do not have to pay and two you need a new car.
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
Posts: 22,025
Not Ranked
Quote:
Originally Posted by olddog
...but what is the pressure when you go WOT. You have no idea. You just know that the light went out.
Well I can honestly tell you that I have never looked at my gauges during WOT, not even for an instant. But I did spring for the Melling 57HV pump, as my builder had the same view of oil volume flow as yours.
Cobra Make, Engine: CSX #4xxx with CSX 482; David Kee Toploader
Posts: 3,574
Not Ranked
Well, that makes it pretty simple! I remember years ago guys telling me that the trick was "blueprinting" your oiloil pump (clearances), which always seemed to be BS to me!
__________________
All that's stopping you now Son, is blind-raging fear.......
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
Posts: 22,025
Not Ranked
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bernica
Well, that makes it pretty simple! I remember years ago guys telling me that the trick was "blueprinting" your oiloil pump (clearances), which always seemed to be BS to me!
No, a 9 PSI red light on the dash is simpler. And if it's flickering, or even blinking, just keep driving. It's when it stays on for good that you need to start paying attention.
Well I can honestly tell you that I have never looked at my gauges during WOT, not even for an instant. But I did spring for the Melling 57HV pump, as my builder had the same view of oil volume flow as yours.
That's the advantage of a small block. I glance at the gauges frequently, as long as the tires seem to be hooked to the ground.
You macho FE boys are too scared to take your eyes off the road.
3Likes
Hybrid Mode
