100 psi oil pressure on start-up

[A98Coupe]

Kevin,

As you have already discovered from the text in DIYFord (actually lifted out of Barry R's book - How to Build Max Performance Ford FE Engines), Melling offer 3 types of oil pumps. I would suggest you find out if you have a HV or HP pump in your motor. Also, are you running a remote oil filter? Maybe a daft question, but have you connected it the right way round? Where are you taking the oil pressure from?

If you are running a flat tappet cam, I would be wary against using a lighter oil. Your 20W50 VR1 is the right weight of oil for that type of cam. I'm running a hydraulic roller cam and I use Joe Gibbs HR oil 15W50. My engine usually runs up to 80psi from cold but then settles to around 40psi at idle (1100rpm). It could be that your motor is still tight and needs running in more? However, not being able to turn it over with a breaker bar (depends how long your bar is?) doesn't sound right to me.

[55312]

I've been down this road with my 427 center oiler. It's always had high oil pressure at start up and maintains high pressure (60+) at cruising RPMs even when it's warmed up. I've had 2 Melling HV pumps in it. One when I got the engine and a new one when Keith Craft stroked it for me. It has a Canton road racing pan with a windage tray as well. I also have dual remote oil filters and the block was boiled, tumbled and magnifluxed by Keith before the rebuild. It still starts up around 90 or so after 8,000 miles. Don't worry about it. It's OK. I've used both 20w-50 and 10w-40 Brad Penn in it and saw little difference in oil pressure. These are tough motors so go out and enjoy it.

Tim

[KevinW]

Thanks again or the extra replies.

Barry? - Yes I am running a remote oil filter. You can see the connections here:
gently does it.... mind figners - Cobra Club Gallery

- I think they are correct. The oil pressure comes from a line plugged in to the remote take off plate, and through to a mechanical oil pressure gauge - wondering if the gauge calibration may be out.

Spec wise:
I am running a Canton sump, windage tray and Helling High Volume pump (although apparently there are 2 HV variants, not sure which I have).

Cam-wise, Lunati hydraulic cam and lifters - Cam: Voodoo 62004
Sharp roller rockers with HD shafts, Comp Cam pushrod
Probe forged pistons, Molly rings